“Before I go to the U.S., I have a job to finish here in Israel,” Avdija told ESPN. “As a competitor, I am committed to my organization and teammates to help bring a championship to Tel Aviv. We were having such a great season, so winning the title, even with the delay and without live fans, will give me a sense that the hard work paid off.”

Avdija, a projected lottery pick and the top European prospect in the upcoming NBA Draft, is expected to step on the court once again on Sunday (21/6) when Maccabi will face Ashdod in the opener of Round 22. Before the Israeli league shut down, the 19-year-old Israeli forward had 12.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 26.6 minutes over 21 games.

Maccabi is at the top of the standings with a 19 – 2 record and considered the favorite in the race for the title.

Photo: Maccabi Tel Aviv