31-year-old American forward released from his contract by Regional Dynamo Moscow just a month after scoring the winning basket for Maccabi TA.
By ALLON SINAIJamie Arnold 298.88(photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
Just a month after breaking Hapoel Jerusalem hearts by scoring the winning basket for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the BSL Final Four title game, Jamie Arnold completed a shock move and signed with the league runner-up.
The 31-year-old American forward had signed earlier in the summer for Regional Dynamo Moscow, but to his request was released from his contract in recent days, allowing him to make a return to Israel.
Arnold, who played for Hapoel Galil Elyon Golan in the late 1990's, was a part of Maccabi Tel Aviv's squad in the last two seasons, coming off the bench in most games.
He played under Jerusalem coach Dan Shamir two seasons ago when Shamir was Pini Gershon's assitant at Maccabi Tel Aviv.
He averaged 12.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in the BSL last season for Maccabi, but his stats dropped dramatically in the Euroleague in which he averaged just 7.5 points and 4.4 rebounds.
The signing of Arnold is especially pleasing for Jerusalem after Tel Aviv added forward Terence Morris to its squad earlier in the summer.
Hapoel was confident the star player would remain with the side, but much to its dismay the perenial champion snatched the player from under its nose.
Hapoel will now set its targets on another Maccabi big man, Yaniv Green. The Israel center is out of contract at Maccabi and negotiations with Jerusalem have begun.
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