There are few players who leave a mark and significant memories in such a short time in the Israeli league.
Certainly strangers.
Eric Green, who signed a three-month temporary contract with Hapoel Holon as a replacement for CJ Harris who was injured, was like that.
The veteran guard quickly integrated into coach Guy Goodes' lineup and showcased the offensive abilities that were associated with him until he landed in Holon.
At the end of last week, Green finished his contract with the champion and signed with Budochonost Podgorica, which plays in the Eurocup.
In an exclusive interview with "Israel Today" and the first since he left Israel, from his new home in Montenegro, Green said goodbye to the champion and the Holy Land but did not close the door on a possible return to the champion.
Eric, how do you summarize your time in Holon?
"It was an amazing experience. The flight to Montenegro was not easy for me, I was sad because I was not satisfied with leaving. It was really not easy for me and I will miss the club and the people."
Describe to us a little behind the scenes of your last day in Israel?
"Except for Marvin Jones who knew because I told him no one knew, I went into the game knowing it was my last game and I was very emotional. I felt like I wasn't focused but I knew I couldn't leave without a win, I wanted to give a little parting gift to our fans. It was a day It's hard and sad for me, but I had to leave."
Why did you actually leave Holon?
"I've heard many people say that I left because of the money, but it's not related to the money. The financial offer I received was indeed significantly high, but for me to get a chance to play in the Eurocup and the Adriatic League will allow me to get closer to completing my mission to return to the Euroleague."
When did you finally know you were leaving?
"The day before my contract was up, I realized I was leaving. Two weeks ago I received calls and offers from Eurocup teams, but only in the last two days did I begin to understand that there was a big chance that this would be my last game in Israel. I had to keep it a secret, and it was very difficult for me."
"The day before my contract was up, I realized I was leaving", Photo: Alan Shiver
You have indicated the length of time you want to stay. What was missing for Holon fans to continue to enjoy you?
"I really wanted to stay, for the first time in a long time I felt good. The offer they gave me was significantly better than Holon's, but it really wasn't just because of the money. People may not know but I made a lot of money throughout my career, in Holon I played almost for free compared to what I was used to it, because I wanted to come there."
Holon will start the play-in series tonight. Will you watch from afar?
"Of course, I also saw Holon's last league game against BS.
From now on I will always be a Holon fan anywhere in the world."
Is returning to Holon a realistic option for you in the future?
"Certainly, I feel that I have unfinished business there, I would like to return in the future to lead the team to the championship and the cup. If Guy Goodes calls in the future, I will come."
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