Hapoel Tel Aviv’s owner, Ofer Yannay, continues to make significant moves in the Israeli basketball scene as the club has officially signed NBA star Patrick Beverley.

The 36-year-old guard announced the news on his X account Tuesday, followed by an official statement from the club.

“They gave me everything I asked for… I couldn’t refuse,” Beverley shared via his Pat Bev Pod podcast account before confirming the news on his personal account.

Beverley’s addition to Hapoel Tel Aviv’s roster marks a notable enhancement, joining a series of high-profile signings this summer including Johnathan Motley, Ish Wainwright, Ben Bentil, Marcus Foster, and Joe Ragland.

This strategic move aims to position the Reds as serious contenders against their crosstown rivals and two-time defending champions, Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The significance of Beverley’s signing was further emphasized by Yannay’s comments. “The general manager and coaching staff define who are the best and most suitable players in each position. We do everything to bring them – and usually succeed,” Yannay stated.

“The addition of Patrick, an exceptional player with enormous motivation to win, is a significant part of our desire to build a strong club and a deeper roster that will fight for all the titles.

Additionally, his signing with Hapoel Tel Aviv will make him an important ambassador of basketball and of Israel, especially now.”

“Hapoel Tel Aviv fans are equally thrilled. General manager George Hinas expressed the excitement surrounding Beverley’s arrival, saying, “This is a very exciting day. Patrick Beverley is joining the Hapoel Tel Aviv family.

“I want to thank the owners and all of the management who made this happen and, of course, thank Patrick as well, who during the meetings with us showed great respect for the club. Patrick is very enthusiastic about the move; he is very hungry and ready to prove and fight for the club and the fans.”

Beverley joins the ranks of top-level NBA veterans who have played in Israel, including Amare Stoudemire, Nate Robinson, and Jordan Farmar. Known for his tenacious defensive play, Beverley brings a wealth of experience from his time with seven NBA teams: the Rockets, Clippers, Timberwolves, Lakers, Bulls, 76ers, and Bucks.

Throughout his NBA career, Beverley has averaged 8.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game and has been named to the NBA All-Defensive Team in 2017 and twice to the second team in 2014 and 2020.

Interestingly, Beverley’s basketball journey includes significant European experience. He played under Israeli coach Zvika Sherf at Spartak St. Petersburg and shared the court with Omri Casspi in Houston and Yotam Halperin at Olympiacos and St. Petersburg.

Hapoel’s head coach Stefanos Dedas was also an assistant at Spartak during Beverley’s tenure in Russia. Beverley’s return to Europe promises to be a major draw for both the Israeli domestic league and the EuroCup competition, where Hapoel Tel Aviv aims to secure the league title and earn a place in the Euroleague.

In light of the ongoing conflict with Hamas, should Israel be unable to host EuroCup games, Hapoel Tel Aviv will play abroad in Samokov, Bulgaria, following last season’s precedent of playing in Belgrade.

For the upcoming season, Hapoel Tel Aviv may move from the Shlomo Group “Drive-In” Arena to the larger Menora Mivtachim “Yad Eliyahu” Arena, which seats 10,000 fans and is shared with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

This transition underscores the club’s ambitions and commitment to providing an optimal environment for their enhanced roster and dedicated fanbase.