Tamir Blatt in an interview with the Euroleague website: "My father is one of the best coaches in history" | Israel Hayom

After two quite successful years with German club Alba Berlin, Tamir Blatt returned to Israel this summer when he signed for Maccabi Tel Aviv, with whom he hopes to make a personal and team leap forward. Ahead of the start of the Euroleague season, Haggard provided an interview to the continent's top factory website in which he talked about his relationship with his father David, his connection with Ketch and his time in Germany.

On the connection to Maccabi: "As a child I have great memories here. As 5- or 6-year-olds we used to come and see the Euroleague's all-time greats who were at Maccabi training and playing. I have many amazing memories of being a child and a spectator. Growing up, I came to games. I remember sitting at Gate 7 in the Maccabi Arena watching the games, seeing the amazing energy and support from the fans, I wanted to be on the pitch and now I have the opportunity to play for Maccabi. It's amazing."

David Blatt, Cinematography: Alan Shaver

On the connection with his father David and the fact that he is involved in Maccabi Tel Aviv, Blatt Jr. said: "First of all, I will always be David Blatt's son. That's the first thing. I always wanted to create my own story and I did it and now coming to Maccabi, playing in the Euroleague is another step for me and I'm very excited about it. He's my dad and I just want him to be on my side, always supporting me but if I had the chance to play for him, for sure I would want it because he's one of the best coaches in the history of the game, in my opinion."

On Oded Katsch, he said: "That's one of the reasons I wanted to join Maccabi. He had a big impact on my career. I played for him in Jerusalem. I started my career with him and I was with him at the European Under-20 Championship so we had a lot of games together and success and he taught me a lot. I really like the way he coaches and his character and I'm looking forward to that."

Blatt in an Alba uniform, Photo: Getty Images

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On my time at Elba Berlin: "I grew up in Germany a lot. Leaving Israel for the first time was a challenge. The beginning was very difficult. I had a tough few months, and I really understood what it was like to leave your country and play abroad. I grew up a lot on the pitch as well, off the field and yes, it helped me for sure. There are a lot of players at Maccabi who came to the club last year and are going on to the second year and I'm joining with new guys and you know, we want to make that chemistry work. I just know that I want to help the team succeed, be a good teammate, support the guys when I get on the court, give my best."

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