Tal Dan's career picture is without a doubt the European Cup final a little over a year ago.
Dan swung a goblet with a broken hand and a bandage over his forehead, which covered stitches in his head.
It was an image that symbolized sacrifice, loyalty and professionalism.
Another strong image of Dan from the European Cup final against Polish Ostrov is when his face is full of blood after the injury.
There is no more "giving the soul for the team" than this, and there is no better definition for a player than - a character player.
Tal Dan is the kind of player who no longer produces.
A player of one club.
The "Welshman" (born in Wales and immigrated to Israel as a child), although he grew up in Maccabi Rishon LeZion and played in a number of clubs at the beginning, but since 2011 he has been in Ness Ziona for better or worse, in fire and water. The European Cup was the late recognition of a player who did not seem to get enough recognition along the way.Although the stardust did not stick to him, he was one of the significant Israelis in the last decade.
Discusses the European Cup final 2021. A photo he would less like to remember, Photo: Alan Schieber
We talked about symbol and identity, but Dan above all was an excellent basketball player, a forward with great physical strengths, playing wisdom, excellent passing ability.
A player who connects a team on and off the field.
Despite this, he was never considered the top Israeli player.
He never played on the team.
With such a career and periods where he was a very influential player in the league, he deserved at least some experience in the national team.
Dan has struggled all his career and with great heroism in his limitations.
The forward had no off-archery - something that is in high demand for players in his role in modern basketball.
He also scored (or rather did not score) very badly from the penalties.
A small improvement in these elements would have made him a super player, a player at a European level.
However, he knew how to produce a great career even with these limitations and difficulties because he has a big heart.
It just shows an uncompromising character, adherence to purpose and self-belief.
Dan was a leader, a kind of coach on the field.
He was much more of a player in the Orange Club and the connection to the community was extraordinary.
Dan saw himself as much more than just one hitting the basket for the city and community.
The hoisting of the trophy was also accompanied by such an act: Dan brought with him to the important class a child who had recovered from cancer.
Discuss with the European Cup.
The big moment in his career, Photo: Alan Schieber
And a word of appreciation should also be given to the cities of Ness Ziona.
As he went with her all the way, she went with him, and if he only wanted to, he would have continued for another season even though he is 35 and the last season has already started much less well.
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