Hap J’lem brings back Solomon for second stint

After 6 year absence, veteran guard comes back to team he helped win ULEB Cup.

By ALLON SINAI
Solomon 311 (photo credit: Euroleague Web site)
Solomon 311
(photo credit: Euroleague Web site)
Hapoel Jerusalem took a significant step forward in its rebuilding process under Oded Katash on Monday, announcing the signing of veteran guard Will Solomon.
The 32-year-old returns to Jerusalem six years after leading the team to its greatest achievement – the winning of the ULEB Cup in the 2003/04 season.
Solomon is Katash’s fourth American signing, joining Brian Randle, Dion Dowell and Jason Rich.
“It’s a privilege to play in Jerusalem,” said Solomon, who has been without a team since last November. “I had a wonderful year in Jerusalem and not just because of the ULEB Cup.
I’m really happy to be back in a place that loves basketball so much.”
Solomon, who spent his collegiate career at Clemson before playing one season in the NBA for the Vancouver Grizzlies, joined Hapoel after a single season at Aris Thessaloniki, and quickly became the side’s undoubted star.
He averaged 18.2 points and 4.3 assists and was unstoppable in Hapoel’s triumphant ULEB Cup campaign.
Solomon, who has also experienced successful stints at Turkish clubs Efes Pilsen and Fenerbahce Ulker, returned to Israel ahead of the 2005/06 season to help Maccabi Tel Aviv to the league and state cup double and a runner-up position in the Euroleague.
In the 2008/09 season, Solomon tried his luck in the NBA once more, but after 39 games with the Toronto Raptors he was traded to the Sacramento Kings at which he made just 14 appearances before being waived.
In April of last year, the Connecticut native re-signed with Fenerbahce Ulker, only to leave four games into last season after a dispute with the team’s coach.
“I come to teams to fight for titles,” Solomon said. “I saw that Maccabi lost some titles in the last few seasons and I’m coming to Jerusalem to help it win more trophies.”
Katash was delighted with his latest signing.
“Everyone knows what he is capable of and this is definitely an upgrade for us,” the new Hapoel coach said. “I hope we learn how to get the best out of him.”


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