The coaches: This was a challenging season for the coach's status in Israel.
The two "big" teams of Israeli basketball replaced their foreign coach with a "loyal to the system" team member, who moved from the back office to the lines.
Avi Even and Yotam Halperin took on a role they did not choose in the first place, and although it created an immediate improvement in both, the Israeli league playoffs came and signaled to them and the decision makers: the coach position is not a place to be a substitute.
Oren Aharoni.
He already has a personal degree, Photo: Alan Shiver
And so the two teams that led the league lost in the semi-final series in the decisive game held at the pavilion.
Both series have been decided thanks to the preference of the opposing coaches, Oren Aharoni and Guy Goodes, and there is no better way to strengthen the coaching status of the final series starting tonight, and meet two fine teams led by these excellent coaches, who began their careers as important players in Israeli basketball. .
Guy Goodes.
The face to the final, Photo: Danny Maron
Whole vs. Whole: The two groups are different in their structure - Herzliya has a high and strong front line, and Holon a deadly back line.
Despite this, these are two complete groups, and the series will be decided on the success of each group in realizing its entire set of capabilities and covering up the shortcomings.
And so despite the inferiority in size, Holon defeated High Jerusalem by rebound in the decisive game, because everyone, including the small guards, jumps for a rebound.
On the other hand, Herzliya, with one natural ball carrier, reached 30 plus points in explosive attacks and a move against Maccabi, because all the players are able to push the ball quickly up, including Onwako himself, while Dawson, Kravitz and Bab help Hooker coordinate the game.
And yet Herzliya's main strength is in color, where it averaged 41 points in the playoffs, much thanks to complete control under the baskets - 40 rebounds per game.
Holon with 34 rebounds and 30 points in color, quite a bit, but with a significant lag.
Holon's strength is the threes - it scores 12 threes in the playoffs at 42%, and Herzliya only 7 threes at 33%.
Maggie and Kaiser.
Looking to sting in the Jubilee Hall, Photo: Danny Maron
Two months ago at the end of the regular league, Holon won in Herzliya, without Ragland and Kaiser, with a record display of 20 threes.
If one crucial key is chosen for the series - this is probably the number of threes that Holon will be able to score.
14 and above will put her in a winning position.
We were like grasshoppers in his eyes: the approaches to closing Onwaku are multiple, and they have been proven to be doomed to failure.
One can concentrate on it, or assume it is impossible and focus on stopping Chris Bab.
It is possible to send him a double guard, but what worked well against Adams from Jerusalem will be less successful on an inside player, what's more, Onwako delivers excellent.
Holon will surely try to get him into the offense problem through the attack and invite him a lot to pick and roll.
Chinano Onwako with Chris Bab.
It's their time, Photo: Alan Schieber
Goodes can also lower to a lineup of three and even four guards, and make Herzliya adjust itself.
Both teams will use a lot of regional defense, Holon to crowd the color around the blue giant and bet on Herzliya’s threes, and Herzliya to allow Onwako to stay under the basket and avoid offenses.
But according to the Cup and playoff appearances, Onwako's success depends largely on Onwako himself.
The Royal Series: For both clubs, this is a chance to win a historic championship through a final series.
A championship after three series is another world of a sense of satisfaction and self-fulfillment.
The discussion about changing the hall was unnecessary, and it would be good for Herzliya to host the small hall.
It's not good for the fans, but what was right all season must continue to the final series.
The problem is with the principal's approval for this hall in the first place, and it can not be assumed that only the teams with the large halls will reach the decisive stages.
Onoaku.
Outstanding of the season, Photo: Alan Schieber
If the standard is 2500 seats, Herzliya should be required to play in another hall next season.
But this year, only in Jubilee.
The basis of the playoff idea is a home advantage based on the regular season achievements, not just for the excess chance of winning at home.
Holon and Herzliya should earn extra high income from an extra home game or two, a bonus from the broadcast channel, a cash prize from the principal, and a guaranteed place in Europe.
On this is built a professional sport - a reward for success that allows it to reach the next level.
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us
