By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After two NBA seasons, Vasilije Micic is back in the EuroLeague with Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv.
“I am very very happy,” he welcomed his move to the Israeli club, after landing in Tel Aviv late Sunday, “It’s been a long journey for me and I am very happy everything ends in this way.”
The Serbian point guard became the highest-paid player in Europe’s premier club continental competition by securing a total of €14 million for the next three years.
“The idea was sort of being part of a new project and being in a team that wants to create something for the future,” the two-time Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion with Anadolu Efes also talked about the plan with the Reds.
“I had contact with [Dimitris] Itoudis a long time ago about an idea to work together. And additional push, additional effort, from the president of the team and owner,” he went on to confirm early talks with Hapoel, “Everything ended up really well.”
“I am really happy to arrive at Tel Aviv, one of the most beautiful cities. And I am happy to start a new journey, a new beginning,” added Micic in discussions with local reporters, “I am coming from a country that had a lot of adversities and challenges. But as long as it is safe for you guys, it is safe for me. It is not something that really scares me, just something that I think gathers people more. So, I believe this is the right time to come.”
Elijah Bryant, Tyler Ennis, Chris Jones, Collin Malcolm, Tai Odiase, Dan Oturu, Itay Segev, and Yiftach Ziv are other summer signings for the Tel Aviv outfit.
“I think we built a really good team, with some players from last year who stayed and some newcomers,” commented Micic, “I think with the right attitude and a lot of work, there is a chance to build a good dynasty here.”
Extending his international career with Serbia to the EuroBasket 2025, the native of Kraljevo will miss the majority of the training camp, heading to the 2025-26 editions of the EuroLeague and domestic competitions in Israel.