Preview
Hapoel Jerusalem reached the EuroCup quarterfinals last season and have significantly strengthened their roster during the summer, adding considerable experience and proven quality. Former Alba Berlin head coach Saša Obradović has also taken charge, bringing additional experience at the highest European level.
The roster features several players with impressive résumés, including Shake Milton, who has 359 NBA appearances, Jaleen Smith, the 2021 BBL MVP, Lorenzo Brown with 103 NBA games and Kenny Lofton Jr., who has 45 NBA appearances. On paper, this is a deep and highly experienced squad with ambitions of competing for major honors.
Rostock will be without an important leader in captain Robin Amaize, who is sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury. His absence represents a significant blow to a team already facing a considerable challenge against one of the more ambitious rosters in the competition.
The game will be played in Belgrade at Ranko Žeravica Hall, but security considerations mean the match will take place behind closed doors. Due to significant difference in squad quality and Jerusalem’s ambitions this season, I think that Hapoel is capable to cover this line.