Maccabi Ashdod is back in the top league and with that the club is welcoming a number of new foreigners to their ranks. One of the most well known players that is joining the club is Augustine Rubit who has years of top level international basketball experience including having played in the Euroleague.

Just after Rubit landed in the Holy Land, he spoke about the decision to come to Israel and sign with the Premier League newcomer, “I’m excited. A new opportunity, fresh, young team. A new team, new opportunities to compete and try something new.

As for his familiarity with Coach Dan Katzir who is actually younger than Rubit and the fact that he brings plenty of EuroLeague experience to the table, the 37-yeard old said, “For me, it’s more so what the coach wants and then I’ll do my best and try to lead as well, because I’m not familiar with the guys, but I’ve been on teams and I know anything is possible, so I’m excited about that.

“Yeah, we did speak about age, it’s rare, of course. But I’m sure he wouldn’t have this opportunity if he wasn’t great at what he does and very knowledgeable. So I’m sure there’s always something to learn, no matter how old the coach is or whatever. So I’m excited for it.”

Rubit played under David Blatt at Olympiacos which was exacting for the big man, “I grew up a LeBron fan, so him being a coach of the Cavs, I was excited about having him as a head coach. So that’s all I was thinking about going into Olympiakos. Like, man, this is the same guy that coached LeBron and those guys. So of course, David Blatt is big time.”

Al in all Rubit is looking forward to a new experience in a country like Israel, “Honestly, I don’t know much about the country, so I’m just here to learn. I’m excited for that, just to learn the traditional foods, the habits, everything. So I’m just here open-minded and just want to experience it full out.”