By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After two years with Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv, Jaylen Hoard switched to Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv.
Hoard, 25, signed a two-year contract, the Yellows announced on Tuesday.
Per the press release: “Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv added talented big man Jaylen Hoard on a two-year deal, and he will make the move to Yad Eliyahu from cross-city rivals Hapoel Tel Aviv. The 25 years-old French-American power forward (2.03 M/6 ft 8 in) made a name for himself in the Israeli league and EuroCup this past two seasons, and will now dip his feet in the EuroLeague waters for the first time.
“We are delighted to add Jaylen Hoard to our team”, stated head coach Oded Kattash to Maccabi’s official website. “He is a versatile player that made a big progress in the Israeli league and the EuroCup. He will fit in with the team that we are building and will help us achieve our goals in the league and in Europe”.
“I am very honored to join the EuroLeague with Maccabi Tel Aviv, a club with a rich history and remarkable accomplishments”, shared Hoard. “I want to thank the entire organization for making this possible. I will continue to work hard to perform at the highest level and contribute to the team’s success. See you all soon!”
Hoard was born in March 1999 in Le Havre, France to an American father and French mother. Both of his parents were basketball players, with his sister also playing for the French U17 national team. Jaylen himself grew up in France and was a part of the National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance in Paris as a standout player.
At 17, he moved to North Carolina and was considered a five-star recruit out of high school, eventually committing to Wake Forest. After a good freshman season, he opted to go pro and despite not being drafted, earned an NBA contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. He appeared in 13 games in Rip City, then moved to Oklahoma City and averaged 8.4 PPG and 5.7 RPG in 26 games for the Thunder over two seasons.
In 2022, Hoard crossed the Atlantic and landed in Tel Aviv. After adjusting to European basketball in his first season, the big man took a leap last season with 16.7 PPG and 5.1 RPG in the Israeli league, while providing great defense on multiple positions. In EuroCup play, he posted similar numbers – 16.1 PPG and 5.1 RPG – in 14 games played. Hoard even earned a call to the French national team, and he is a part of the preliminary roster for the Olympic Games.”
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net