Contrary to the general feeling at Hapoel Holon throughout the season, it seems that in recent weeks, and especially in the playoffs, things have begun to connect for the champions, in a 0-3 quarter-final victory over Hapoel Galil Elyon.
Alongside the return of several key players from injuries, the Purples took another significant step that strengthened them towards the final stretch of the season with the surprise signing of Netanel Artzi, who played for Hapoel Eilat throughout the season.
After a season full of ups and downs, tonight it will take to the parquet at the Menora Mivtachim Arena and host Maccabi Tel Aviv in the opening of the playoff semifinals. A moment earlier, Artzi tells Israel Hayom in an interview about the rocky season he went through.
National. A rocky season, photo: Oren Aharoni
How does it feel for the semi-finals?
"From my short time here, I can say that you can see with your eyes the madness of the actors ahead of the series. These are the moments every player is waiting for."
Do you believe you can beat Maccabi Tel Aviv in the series?
"In basketball, anything can happen. If we come focused and believe it's possible, it really will be."
Were you surprised when you received the request from Hapoel Holon?
"Without a doubt, I didn't think something like this could happen, it surprised me a lot. My head was already thinking about the summer, but I'm at a stage in my career that if I have this opportunity I have to take it.
"My career is short and I felt it was a situation that would never come back, a situation I couldn't refuse. I wouldn't say yes if I had the feeling that I couldn't contribute and make a difference."
Nathaniel Artzi. Find a new home, photo: Oren Aharoni
"Pay with the decision"
The timing of Artzi's move to Holon caused a great storm in the Premier League, because it goes against the factory's regulations. However, the Basketball Association decided to approve him because of a misleading message they had conveyed to teams in the days prior, and even opened the transfer window for a few more days "to reduce sports inequality," they said.
Your move made a lot of noise. Are you at peace with him?
"Very. When I make a decision, I'm at peace with it until the end. I can say that it was hard because my head was somewhere else, but as soon as I got here I knew I needed a mental change from Eilat. I went from relegation struggles to championship fights."
How did your days of waiting for the Basketball Association's decision go?
"The day I got the approval, I had an explosion of excitement in my body, which I didn't know how to digest. Everything happened very quickly, I felt that all the effort paid off. I suddenly said to myself, 'That's it, I'm a Holon player.'"
Nathaniel Artzi. A passage that made a lot of noise, photo: Oren Aharoni
Since Gilboa/Galil you haven't continued with the same team for more than a season. Would you like to stay in Holon?
"I do see myself playing here for a few years, and I think I'm ready. At the moment, what is important is to maximize the current situation and fight for the title until the end."
You've been through quite a bit in your career until the age of 26. Hapoel Holon Is this the biggest opportunity you got?
"Yes, Holon is the biggest team I've played for in my career. I feel like I've gone through a process and I've come here now from the front door."
Nathaniel Artzi. Dreaming of a championship, photo: Oren Aharoni
You found yourself playing for a lot of bottom teams. Did you make a mistake in your choices along the way?
"In retrospect you can say I was wrong, positive mistakes maybe. When you get into a situation in the summer with any team, you never know how the season is going to end."
The Israeli national team will convene this summer under Ariel Beit Halahmi for the pre-Olympic window. Would you like to take part in this campaign?
"For me, the Israeli national team is a huge pride, I feel like I'm called to the flag. I would like to play for the Israeli national team and the 3-on-3 team at the same time. I feel that this is the best service I can give to the country as an Israeli citizen who loves it."
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Netanel Artzi in national uniform, photo: Alan Shaver
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