Jerusalem inks big Golemac, but loses Horace Jenkins
29-year old Golemac arrives from Russian side Ural Great, where he worked with Jerusalem assistant Matan Harush.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFFHapoel Jerusalem 298.88(photo credit: Blake-Ezra Cole)
Hapoel Jerusalem announced the signing of Slovenian big man Jurica Golemac hours after point guard Horace Jenkins left the team for Efes Pilsen.
The 29-year old Golemac arrives from Russian side Ural Great, where he worked with Jerusalem assistant Matan Harush. Last season, Harush served as ex-Hapoel coach Sharon Drucker's assistant in Russia.
At. 2.09 meters, Golemac completes a solid frontline along with Mario Austin and Erez Marckovich. Because of the new „Russian rule,‰ which will require teams to have at least two Israeli players on the court at all times, Hapoel is expected to bring in another local big man, with Yoni Nir a likely candidate.
Golemac said in a statement, "I've heard a lot about the club from Matan Harush. I know what the team's goals are and I believe that I can help. I'm happy to join a club like Hapoel Jerusalem."
The player has experience at the highest levels, including three years with Slovenian powerhouse Olimpija Ljubljana and a season each at Euroleague sides Cibona Zagreb and Efes Pilsen.
He is the fourth foreign player signed for next season, alongside Austin and Tamar Slay who return from last season's squad, and guard Timmy Bowers.
Head coach Dan Shamir will now turn his efforts to finding a suitable replacement for Jenkins, who received a one-year deal from Efes Pilsen.
Jenkins, a fan favorite in Malha, will try his luck in the Euroleague for the second time after a successful season with AEK Athens in 2003/04.
