Basketball: Mac TA's Casspi aims to impress in Chicago

20-yr-old forward hopes to become the first Israeli to play in the NBA.

By ALLON SINAI
omri caspi 88 (photo credit: )
omri caspi 88
(photo credit: )
Omri Casspi left for the NBA combine in Chicago on Monday where he is hoping to impress scouts ahead of the draft on June 25. The 20-year-old Maccabi Tel Aviv forward, who was one of 52 players picked to take part in the combine in Chicago this coming Thursday and Friday, is looking to be selected in the first round of the draft at Madison Square Garden next month and receive a guaranteed contract to become the first Israeli to play in the NBA. "I've dreamed of playing in the NBA from a very young age," Casspi said. "I'm very excited, even though this is the second time I'm doing this," added Casspi, who withdrew from the NBA draft last year after failing to receive a guarantee that he would be selected in the first round. "I've matured since last year and improved some elements in my game. "I've also gained more Euroleague experience and I feel I'm better than I was last year. I want to realize this dream."