Idan Alber (22, 1.93 m) grew up in the youth department of Maccabi Tel Aviv and was one of the best in the youth teams, including winning the reserve at the European Under-20 Championships held in Israel in the summer of 2019. His first season in seniors was at Hapoel Kfar Saba in the National League (2018/2019 ).
After that he played a season for Nes Ziona, and in the last year and a half he rarely played for Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Holon. A few weeks ago he signed with Hapoel B'Shlosha, hoping to find a home and a place that would give him significant playing minutes.
After the last year and a half, you must be very hungry to play.
"Yes, and what even gave me an appetite and a lot of confidence for the rest of the way, is the month and a half since I played in Holon and saw that I could help a leading team."
How are your first two weeks at Hapoel B'Shlosha?
"Very good. I connected quickly to the players and absorbed the exercises. I have a lot of friends here that I know and good people. I moved in with my dog so I'm fine."
Let's talk a little about choosing your groups. What made you go to Maccabi last season, a place where even leading Israelis have a hard time finding themselves?
"They told me they wanted me, and I believed I could learn a lot from professionals at the highest level, and that I would have the opportunity to apply it on the pitch. It really happened. What I learned there helped me develop as a player and I'm sure it will help me in the future."
Idan Albert in a Maccabi Tel Aviv uniform. "What I learned there helped me develop as a player," Photo: Alan Shiber
You had some offers last summer, and yet you chose Holon. What was the reason?
"When such a big club says it wants you it's flattering. At that point in time it was Holon or going down to the national team. I'm not really looking at money or big names. From the age of five I play basketball for my soul. In the summer I really thought it was the best decision for me, "And probably everyone has their own journey. I'm learning to deal with things."
What score do you give to your decisions so far?
"Going to KPS after the youth was a good decision, this season has given me a lot, and see it in reserve.
Going to Ness Ziona was also a good decision.
I played there, also in Europe, and showed myself.
At Maccabi Tel Aviv what happened happened, and not everything was under my control. Last summer it was Holon or a national league, and I wanted to stay in the Premier League. I do not regret anything, because I know I provided many things that shape and teach me, probably more than most players my age I'm young and I have a lot more to give.
Do you feel that Hapoel B'Shlosha could be a turning point in your career?
"Absolutely. It is impossible to know what will happen in the future, but I think this is the best situation for me and I wish it would work. This is the first time I change teams in the middle of the season, and I like this challenge. I am learning to deal with something I do not know. The new ".
I guess you learned a lesson. In the coming years, what considerations will you face when you have to choose where to sign?
"The main consideration is where my playing minutes will be significant. I will look for a place that will believe in me and make me feel like they want me there. I want to develop every season."
Age of Albert.
"This is the first time I change teams in the middle of the season, and I love this challenge,"
Short questionnaire
Dog.
"Joey. Soon to be 10, with me since he was a year old. We've been together a long time."
role model.
"From a very young age I look at European guards like Spanoulis, Mitchic and others. I admire what they did and how they play. Last year I shook Spanoulis' hand and got excited."
A coach you would like to play for.
"Phil Jackson."
Beloved athlete.
"Kobe Bryant".
Favorite vacation spot.
"Greece, rest and relax on the beach there."
Something they do not know about you.
"I'm very funny. I have witty humor."
the dream.
"To make a successful career and play at the highest levels of Europe. Getting to the Euroleague is the main goal."
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