Hapoel Jerusalem co-owner Gal Mekel has opened up about the club’s ambitious plans, the decision to appoint Sasa Obradovic as head coach, the pursuit of several Israeli stars and the dream of becoming a EuroLeague franchise.
Speaking on the latest episode of the “Double Dribble” podcast, Gal Mekel discussed a turbulent offseason for Hapoel Jerusalem, explaining the club’s long-term vision and why it believes it has the resources to compete for a place in Europe’s top competition.
Hapoel Jerusalem ready to invest for EuroLeague opportunity
One of the biggest topics discussed was Hapoel Jerusalem’s ambition to become one of the future EuroLeague franchises.
“EuroLeague is looking for something broader. First of all, what type of ownership you have and whether it is a partner you can build with for years,” Gal Mekel said.
“The license will cost a lot of money. It will cost between 50 and 85 million euros.”
Asked whether Hapoel Jerusalem would be prepared to make such an investment, Mekel was clear.
“Of course. I don’t know many clubs that can commit to those kinds of amounts. We are ready to pay and present a complete plan in order to receive that franchise.”
HAPOEL JERUSALEM MEANS BUSINESS! 👀
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) August 4, 2026
💥 With new head coach Sasa Obradovic leading the project, Hapoel Jerusalem has assembled an exciting new core featuring:
🟥 Shake Milton
🟥 Jaleen Smith
🟥 Dusan Miletic
🟥 Kenneth Lofton Jr.
🟥 David Roddy
🟥 Devontae Cacok
🌟 Alongside… pic.twitter.com/YRPXPxfcI9
Why Hapoel Jerusalem chose Sasa Obradovic
Hapoel Jerusalem made a major coaching change this offseason by replacing Yonatan Alon with Sasa Obradovic, a move Gal Mekel described as a statement of ambition.
“In the life of a club and a team, there are moments when you say: ‘Okay, I have exhausted this path, I want to move in a new direction.’ We reached the conclusion that we wanted a refresh.”
The former EuroLeague player explained that the club wanted an established name who could represent its ambitions on the European stage.
“We knew we wanted a proven figure, someone who would also be a statement at the European level. Sasa was at the very top of our list.”
Gal Mekel also praised Obradovic’s coaching qualities, recalling his experience facing him during his playing career.
“I personally appreciate him a lot. I played against him throughout my career. He is the type of coach where you play against his teams, finish the game and say: ‘Wow, they are well coached.’ You feel it on the court.”
Hapoel Jerusalem’s vision for Kenny Lofton
Mekel also discussed the signing of Kenny Lofton, explaining the role the American forward is expected to have.
“We brought him as the starting power forward of the team. In certain situations, he can move to the five, but essentially he is a four.”
According to Mekel, Lofton’s versatility was one of the main reasons behind the move.
“He passes, he shoots, he plays in the post. This is Matan Adelson’s baby. Wake Adelson up at 3 AM – it’s Kenny Lofton.”
"….and of course a psychological blow to Hapoel Tel Aviv."
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) August 4, 2026
Arik Shtilman revealed the main three reasons why Maccabi Tel Aviv signed Yam Madar, a move strongly pushed by Oded Kattash and Claudio Coldebella. 🔽👇https://t.co/lCUI4ZLKBF
Why Hapoel Jerusalem did not sign Blatt and Madar
Mekel also addressed reports linking Hapoel Jerusalem with several Israeli players, including Tamir Blatt and Yam Madar.
“I think there is a difference between checking a situation with an agent and approaching a player under contract, talking to him and trying to convince him. Those are two different things.”
Regarding Yam Madar, Mekel admitted there was interest at one stage, particularly when the guard was struggling for playing time.
“When Yam Madar was not playing, which was almost most of the season, there was a thought that this could happen. I think it would have been very good for him professionally.”
However, after Madar finished the season strongly, Hapoel Jerusalem decided the financial situation no longer made sense.
“After the incredible end to his season, we understood that the numbers were within the budget we look at and how we divide the pie, so it was something that was less right for us.”
Mekel added that Madar would have been a better fit alongside Jared Harper rather than Tamir Blatt.
“I think Yam Madar specifically could have played with Jared Harper. That would have been a good combination. With Tamir Blatt, the fit is less ideal – Jared Harper and Tamir together. We thought less about that.”
