By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Guy Goodes has become the new head coach of Israel’s senior national team, succeeding Oded Kattash, the Israeli Basketball Association announced.
The current Maccabi Rishon Lezion boss is returning for a third stint at the national team, the first time as head coach of the senior squad. Previous coaching jobs at the club level include stints at Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem.
“I am happy to be appointed as the new head coach with the honor, privilege and belief in being able to lead the National Team. This is a very exciting moment for me as a former player with the Israel National Team as well as the various youth teams, this is really a huge honor. I am aware as to the challenge that lies ahead as well as the expectations,” Goodes said.
Kattash completed a run of four years as the national team selector. The outgoing boss had already guided his players to earn a spot in the final stage of the 2022 EuroBasket, planned to be hosted by the Czech Republic, Georgia, Germany, and Italy next September.
In 2018, one year after his appointment at the national team, he returned for a second stint at Hapoel Jerusalem at the club level. He departed last January to take over Panathinaikos OPAP but has since parted ways with the Greens. The upcoming separation at the international level leaves him jobless.
As for the upcoming challenges for Goodes and the Israel national team, prior to the 2022 EuroBasket scheduled to last from 1 to 18 September 2022, the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers begin next month via FIBA’s November window for qualifying contests. Israel has been drawn in Group D slated to compete versus Germany, Estonia, and Poland. The top three teams will clinch a berth to the next round. Israel’s last appearance in the final stage of the World Cup dates back to 1986.
Photo Credit: EuroCup