Hapoel Jerusalem officially opened the season on Thursday evening with the traditional press conference at the Hall of Pais Arena. The press conference was attended by team coach Aleksandar Dzikic, professional manager Yonatan Alon, team captain Livai Randloff and Yuval Zussman.
Hapoel Jerusalem coach Aleksandar Dzikic shared his feelings: "I want to thank those who were here last year for everything they gave to the club, the fans and me personally. We built a team that we think can help us continue to develop what we built last year. Last year they said we brought in unknown players, this year we didn't disappoint. We want to take a step forward in every competition this season. It won't be easy. There was a good season last year, although some people will disagree, but that's their problem. We want to continue working in the best way possible. Will it be enough? The result is not the only measure."
Zussman, today in Jerusalem, photo: Liron Moldovan
LeVay Randolph, the team's captain, said: "Israel feels like home to me. I wanted to connect with the culture in my first year in Israel and I succeeded in that, I adopted our style of play. I wanted to make an impact, to be captain, to represent this team and this community with dignity. I know what the coach wants from us as a team, I know what his goals are. My goal is to try to lead and help this team as best I can, to give it my all. To get as many wins as possible."
Yonatan Alon, the group's professional manager, added: "It was a long and challenging summer. We met our goals from this summer, we brought in a nice and large amount of key players. We are very happy with the squad we have, looking forward to the season already starting."
Hapoel Jerusalem campaign, today, photo: Liron Moldovan
Alon commented on Kadyn Carrington's situation: "This request is a request from the Basketball Association, not from Hapoel Jerusalem. He is naturalized for the purpose of the Israeli national team, we enjoy this story and not so much a side in the matter. We hope it happens as soon as possible. We will wait until the last second of Carrington's registration, see his state of citizenship and therefore make a decision whether to register him as a foreigner."
"We're slowly connecting, training camp has forced us to get to know each other better. We were morning, lunch and dinner with the same people. I think it helped us with our connection and our chemistry, I believe we connect and are on the same page. I believe in the team," said Yuval Zussman, the team's purchasing player.
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