By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv extended John DiBartolomeo for two more seasons plus an option for a third additional year, the Israeli team announced on Thursday.
“I’m happy and excited to continue with Maccabi Tel Aviv,” the captain of the past two years told his team’s official site, “The yellow jersey has felt like home since I got here 3 years ago. I’m extremely grateful and appreciative of the club and the coach for giving me this opportunity, especially after last years’ injuries. I can’t wait to go back to doing what I love the most for the team and the fans. Yalla Maccabi!”
After making his way to the NCAA and a four-year run with Rochester, he joined Zaragoza in 2013 and went on to Maccabi Haifa in 2015 before landing in Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2017. He established himself and in January 2018 became captain but the injury-plagued 2019-20 season knocked him off course, at least until the upcoming 2020-21 season.
“Maccabi needs its captain and that’s why we all at Maccabi are very happy that John is staying,” pointed out head coach Giannis Sfairopoulos, “He is a valuable player, he is a mainstay in the team and it is very important that we continue to fight together with John for the success of Maccabi.”
In 12 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague matches last year, DiBartolomeo averaged 7.8 points, 1.7 assists, 1.0 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per contest. He added 7.9 points per game over eight appearances in the Israeli league en route for his third domestic championship.