By ALLON SINAI
Arik Shivek is set to be named as the new Israel national team coach after meeting with Israel Basketball Association officials on Monday.
The 53-year-old agreed to personal terms with the IBA and will officially be announced as Tzvika Sherf's replacement after the association's professional committee approves his appointment.
"Unless something unexpected happens I will be the next Israel coach," said Shivek. "If and when it is made official the national team's first goal will be to advance to the European Championships."
Israel has reached the last nine EuroBasket championships, but ended last summer's tournament with an 0-3 record, the first time it has finished a European Championship campaign without a victory in 25 appearances.
Shivek began his coaching career in 1983, and has guided 11 different teams in Israel, including Hapoel Eilat, Maccabi Ra'anana and Hapoel Tel Aviv. He has also worked for the IBA for many years, coaching the national women's team and leading the under-20 side to second position in the 2004 European Championships.
In the past few seasons, Shivek has coached abroad, winning titles in the Netherlands and Belgium. Last season he guided Amsterdam to the Dutch league championships and in October he moved to Belgian club Dexia Mons-Hainaut, where he will continue to work after becoming Israel coach.
Netanya hands Holon 7th defeat in eight games
Barak Netanya improved to 6-3 on the season with an 80-76 victory over Hapoel Holon on Monday night.
After losing its first seven games of the season, Holon finally claimed its first BSL victory last week and came very close to winning its second straight game on Monday.
Holon had momentum on its side in the closing moments, but lost its scoring touch when it needed it most, failing to find the basket in more than three minutes.
Netanya was far from convincing itself, but still scored six straight points to give itself another precious win.
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