Maccabi Tel Aviv head coach Oded Kattash addressed several key topics surrounding the Israeli champions as they began preparations for the new season, including Tamir Blatt’s controversial departure, Bonzie Colson’s return and Yam Madar’s arrival.
Maccabi Tel Aviv started preseason practices with a depleted roster, with several foreign players yet to arrive and Israel national team players, including Yam Madar and Roman Sorkin, still away from the team.
Oded Kattash discussed the club’s approach to roster construction and explained why Maccabi Tel Aviv believes continuity can be just as important as adding new talent.
“It is not always roses. At some point in every athlete’s career there is going to come a breaking point where you really see what you are made of. For me, the unspoken truth about being a professional athlete is this. Are you able to withstand the pressure?”
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) August 17, 2026
WHEN THE NOISE… pic.twitter.com/yWqM4FxX0K
Oded Kattash delighted with Bonzie Colson’s return to Maccabi Tel Aviv
One of the biggest stories surrounding Maccabi Tel Aviv this offseason has been the return of Bonzie Colson. The American forward is back for his second stint with the club, a move that Kattash believes carries significance both on and off the court.
“We love Bonzie. We are very proud that we managed to complete this move and bring him back to us,” Kattash said.
“He is important to us because of the fans, but also professionally. I have no doubt that he will contribute a lot to us. Bonzie is Bonzie, he is special.”
Colson’s return has generated considerable excitement within Maccabi Tel Aviv, with Kattash also highlighting what it could mean once the team returns to playing in front of its home supporters.
“It is fun just thinking about wanting to play again in Israel, in front of our fans, and imagining Bonzie Colson in front of the crowd. That makes it even more special,” Kattash added.
Kattash explains what Maccabi expects from Yam Madar
Another important addition to Maccabi’s roster is Yam Madar. The Israeli guard arrives after a season in which Oded Kattash believes he finished strongly, and the Maccabi Tel Aviv coach is confident that Madar can make a significant contribution to the team.
“Yam Madar’s talent and abilities are quite clear. I think he finished last season well. Like many players, it is important that he stays healthy and that he can add a lot to us.”
"We made big moves, including Yam Madar and a few others. 🟡
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) July 8, 2026
I don’t understand why Ofer Yannay does what he does. He’s not even a Hapoel Tel Aviv fan, he doesn’t have the support of the fans. He’s investing unrealistic amounts of money."https://t.co/bwz0IwemNb
Arik Shtilman… pic.twitter.com/Hm3VxTx50B
Kattash addresses Tamir Blatt departure and Maccabi’s roster construction
Kattash also discussed the broader process behind Maccabi Tel Aviv’s roster construction, emphasizing the importance of character and continuity.
“As in many cases, it is clear to everyone that, first of all, it is about character, the character of the players,” Kattash explained. “What is special this year is that we managed to retain many players, we managed to create continuity, and that is always important, while of course adding even more talent to the roster.”
Oded Kattash believes Maccabi Tel Aviv can improve by combining the players who remained with those who arrived during the offseason, although he also recognizes the level of competition across the EuroLeague.
“As always, we look at ourselves. The challenge is great. Through the continuity and the new players who came, we can become better. On the other hand, when you look at the EuroLeague rosters, you understand how big the challenge is.”
The Maccabi coach was then asked about Tamir Blatt, whose departure to Hapoel Tel Aviv became one of the more notable and controversial moves of the offseason.
Kattash strongly rejected the idea that Maccabi Tel Aviv had decided at any point to part ways with the Israeli guard.
“There was no such decision at any point. This is not the time to get into it right now, I will talk about the subject,” Kattash said.
“There were all kinds of rumors that we had supposedly decided to part ways with Tamir. We really wanted Tamir and wanted him to continue with us. Because of things that happened, things did not work out, but this is not the time to get into it. I will explain everything later.”
