Diego Julian, the CEO of the Eurocup, is not one of the people chasing the publicity. He usually leaves respect to Euroleague executives, who are actually also the landlords of the Eurocup. But sources familiar with the matter say Julian is the factory's strongman, the one by whom he will launch. Julian does not give many interviews, but after Hapoel Tel Aviv's game on Wednesday against Besiktas he gave a rare and special interview to Israel Hayom.
At half-time, Julian met families from the Gaza envelope who were severely injured in the events of October 7, expressed his sorrow and support and took pictures with them. "It was a terrible event," he says. "I have no words to describe my thoughts and feelings about what these people went through."
Are you satisfied with the level of organization of the games here in Belgrade?
"Yes we are very satisfied, both the Euroleague and the Eurocup. The city of Belgrade and Serbia are very helpful. We are happy with what we are seeing, but I hope that soon it will be possible to play in Israel."
In general, we see that there is a good connection between the Eurocup management and Hapoel Tel Aviv, which continues with you for the second year in a row.
"The history of the Euroleague with Israel began in 2001 when Maccabi won. Israel is a strong market for the Euroleague, you have a tradition of basketball, a big and good crowd and everything you need. We have a good relationship with the Israeli teams and I am sure it will continue."
Hapoel Tel Aviv has a new owner (Ofer Yanai), what can you tell us about his ambitions and plans regarding the Eurocup and Euroleague?
"When there is a new owner, there are always new goals, difficulties and achievements. We hope that things will go in the right direction and that the club will continue to progress and improve. We are happy about it and we are happy about the relationship with them and hope for many years together."
In the middle of our interview on the parquet at Pioneer, Hapoel Tel Aviv owner Ofer Yanai passed by and asked to compliment Julian: "Without Diego, not only would we not have an audience, we wouldn't have been able to play. Diego is a friend and a good man who makes us here." Julian thanks Yanai and says he is happy to help in whatever way he can.
Hapoel Tel Aviv players. "Hoping for a long-term relationship", photo: Hapoel Tel Aviv
In the summer there were rumors that Hapoel Jerusalem might move from the Champions League to the Eurocup. What can you tell us about the conversations that have been?
"Hapoel Jerusalem has also been with us in the past and they have a new owner. We wish them success. Of course, we follow all the teams to see what they are doing in the local leagues and how they are developing as clubs. We will always be happy to work with other groups from Israel. We have a good experience working with them."
Is there a chance that in the future Hapoel Jerusalem will move to you?
"Maybe, the door is always open. We have rules and requirements, and we are always open to any group that wants to join us. We're trying to make our factory give as much value as possible to the teams, and anything can happen."
The Israeli league administration wants participation in European enterprises to depend on achievements in the local league, while in the Eurocup – and in the Euroleague – this is not the case.
"That's how it was with us until a few years ago. We believe that the leagues should play a role in qualifying for the Eurocup, but we have many teams here and not everyone thinks the same. There are other important considerations that we take into account and we try to maintain a balance between all things so that the product is as good as possible."
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Hapoel Jerusalem players. "Anything can be", photo: FIBA
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