The 34-year-old Alex Tios has played in Israel for three different terms, two of them at Maccabi Tel Aviv. Appearances in the national team uniform.
Tios opened the current season without a team, and in November joined Turkish Karsiyaka.
Last weekend he excelled in the second game of the playoff quarterfinals in Turkey against the powerful Anadolu Zero, with 12 points and 12 rebounds, and helped his team win 73:79 and equalize the series to 1: 1.
Tonight the teams will meet for the third game in the series.
"We had a lot of ups and downs this season, and in the Champions League we experienced disappointment when we did not get to the top 16," the player told "Israel Today" in a conversation we had with him a few weeks ago.
"We had some injuries, and we played in a play-off against Tenerife, which is a great team. In the Turkish league we beat some big teams like Anadolu and Fenerbahce, but we lost to less strong rivals. Personally I arrived in the middle of the season, and it took me a while to get fit, but this season "Good for me. I recently returned to fitness and sharpness, and I feel great."
Tios.
Will be happy to return to the hall, Photo: Alan Shiver
Do you feel at your age that you can play at the highest levels of the Euroleague?
"Yes, for sure. We played this season against Fener and Anadolu and I was very good against them. It gives me the confidence that I am definitely fit to play at Euroleague levels even today."
"In Israel I will only play for Maccabi"
"At Maccabi, you take care of everything," the player recalled during his time in yellow.
"The conduct is amazing, you are paid on time, and you do not have to worry about talking other than playing basketball. The lamp has an amazing atmosphere that pushes you as a player to present record performance."
The big Israeli teams are looking for tall Israeli players for next season, can we see you here?
"The only team I will play for in Israel is Maccabi. I do not see myself returning to Israel if it is not there."
Does this mean that if Maccabi turns to you, will you want to return?
"Definitely, if Maccabi calls I would be happy to come. There has been some talk in recent years, but it has not worked out. I want to return and end my career in Tel Aviv, but even if I do not return I will always have good memories of the time there.
The best moments in my career were at Maccabi. "
There is a Eurobasket in the summer. If coach Guy Goodes calls you, would you like to represent the team?
"It's possible, you can never know what will happen. I believe that if I play for Maccabi, there is a good chance it will happen."
Flying in an entertaining moment.
Believes he can still contribute, Photo: Alan Schieber
No cheerleading accessories in the hall
Even before calling Alex Tios or any other player regarding next season, the Yellows want to end the current season with the championship title.
Tonight, Maccabi will meet Hapoel Tel Aviv for the third time in six days, and will try to complete an impressive sweep over the bitter rival in the quarterfinals of the league.
On the red side, the injured James Young has finished the season and will not be available for Danny Franco.
As we announced, the Israel Police will prohibit Hapoel fans from inserting poles, flags and other means of encouragement, due to the throwing of objects at Maccabi fans during the first game of the series.
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