Subscribe to Print Edition | Sun., May 04, 2008 Nisan 29, 5768 | | Israel Time: 01:47 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Basketball / Maccabi goes for sixth European crown By Ofer Matan MADRID - Ironically, Maccabi Tel Aviv - the most capitalist brand in Israeli sports - arrived in Madrid yesterday ahead of the Euroleague Final Four at the same exact time as a mass socialist demonstration. Out of all of the participants at the press conference that kicked off Final Four weekend, it was actually CSKA Moscow coach Ettore Messina who managed to break the exaggerated formality. Advertisement "I think this press conference is too politically correct," he said after about 15 minutes of answering hollow questions. "I miss [former Maccabi Tel Aviv coach] Pini Gershon, who would tell a few jokes." Everyone laughed, and even current Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Zvika Sherf managed a smile, but that concluded the informal part of the event. Euroleague CEO Jordi Bertomeu opened with this gem: "The competition level this season was high, and we are proud of that," and then he surprisingly countered the claim that there were not enough tickets available for Maccabi Tel Aviv fans: "Fans are important to us, but you have to understand that this is not just an event for one country, it is a pan-European event." Sherf would not answer a question as to whether he would use Nikola Vujcic, Derrick Sharp and Tal Burstein; Tau Vitoria coach (and former Maccabi Tel Aviv coach) Neven Spahija denied that he had any feelings of getting revenge on Maccabi, and Messina elegantly evaded the question of where he will be coaching next season. Even Siena coach Simone Pianigiani was surprising when he resolutely claimed that, "Any time you face Maccabi, you are the underdog," which can be interpreted as a psychological tactic in light of Siena's impressive Euroleague record, including a victory over Panathinaikos. Sherf would not make any comparisons, saying only, "Next week, we are celebrating 60 years of independence in our state, and therefore a lot of people will be watching the game and supporting us." In any case, the grandiose Euroleague production managed to fool a number of people, but not the American players with NBA experience. "The Euroleague has invested a lot in this event," said Maccabi's Will Bynum after practice yesterday. "Can't you see that the Euroleague is getting close to the attractiveness of the NBA?" Bynum could not hide a derisive smile, and provided the answer: "I don't know, I hope some day it will happen." Bookmark to del.icio.us   Security first Foreign Minister Livni tells the PA to ensure terrorists don't exploit Israel's gestures. Terrorist pride Lebanon-based guerillas Hezbollah say they're proud to appear on the U.S. terrorist list.

Read & React Livni: PA must ensure terrorists don`t exploit our W. Bank moves Responses: 345 IDF releases clip clearing itself of blame for Gaza family deaths Responses: 305 U.S. envoy cuts short Hebron trip after clash with settlers Responses: 216 Justice Ministry: Contrary to reports, no discussion of Olmert's suspension Responses: 150 Gaza sewage pumped into the sea over past three months Responses: 150 More Headlines 00:19 Rice to pressure Israel on West Bank roadblocks 01:17 Justice Ministry: Contrary to reports, no discussion of Olmert's suspension 22:37 Bodies of Bolivia accident victims to arrive in Israel 14:21 Major powers offer Iran fresh incentives to halt nuke program 18:24 Kuwaiti paper: Hamas willing to show flexibility over Shalit 11:39 The Palestinian Rothschilds 17:36 Lebanese Druze leader: Expel Iranian ambassador from Beirut 01:04 2 children, 1 senior citizen die in separate fires across Israel 10:18 Egypt's Islamic opposition slams gov't over gas deal with Israel 12:02 Palestinian forces en route to Jenin for large-scale security op Previous Editions Select Day 02 may 01 may 30 apr 29 apr 28 apr 27 apr 25 apr 24 apr 23 apr 22 apr 21 apr 20 apr

Special Offers Advertisement Pardes Institute Summer Sessions http://www.pardes.org.il/ FAREWELL ISRAEL New Film The Coming War for Islamic Revival - View Movie Trailer The interest rates haven't changed But your profits will! Learn Hebrew online with Israel's best teachers Sign up for a trial lesson today Free the Palestinians from: Corrupt Kleptocracy, Tyrannical Theocracy, Abysmal Anarchy Fattal Hotel Chain Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel. ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

Real Estate in Israel

Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved