Kadir inks three-year deal with Maccabi TA

The 22-year-old Israeli forward is coming off his best season as a professional.

By JERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Elishay Kadir 311 (photo credit: BSL)
Elishay Kadir 311
(photo credit: BSL)
Maccabi Tel Aviv continued its off-season signing flurry on Thursday, finalizing a three-year deal with the BSL’s 2009/2010 Most Valuable Player, Elishay Kadir.
The 22-year-old Israeli forward is coming off his best season as a professional, one in which he averaged 14.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in 27 games while winning the league tittle with Hapoel Gilboa/Galil.
“I am very happy to get to this this moment and fulfill a childhood dream of mine,” and ecstatic Kadir said in a statement after signing his new contract.
“I had an amazing season Galilee I’ll never forget the team, fans, staff, administrators, and especially will not forget the coach Oded Katash. I’m excited to start something new at Maccabi Tel Aviv, and hope to contribute to and be a part of something special that will be built here.”
Maccabi chairman Shimon Mizrahi explained that “this is another important Israeli player to join Maccabi. We really like to pick up young and developing high-quality stars and Elishay will surely find a home here.
The signing of Kadir comes a week after the yellow-and-blue brought back David Blatt to coach the club and former star Tal Burstein as a key contributor.
Maccabi bid goodbye to several players and former coach Pini Gershon after a disappointing campaign, both in the Euroleague as well as locally with the loss in the finals to Gilboa/Galil.
The acquisition of Kadir gives Tel Aviv another young forward with gooddefensive skills and an improving scoring touch around the basket.
Playing at Maccabi will also be a big test for Kadir, who will have toadjust to the rigors European competition for the first time in hiscareer as well as likely battle for playing time on a much moretalent-rich roster than he has become accustomed to.
“I am very happy about this signing,” exclaimed Blatt. “Along withbringing back Tal Burstein, we have achieved in making significantupgrades to the Israeli portion of our roster, which was one of ourprimary goals.
“Elishay is one of the most talented players in the league and is notafraid of any challenge. I am excited to see how much more he willdevelop at Maccabi. I’m sure he can reach the highest levels.”