Hapoel Jerusalem announced the signing of center Austin Wiley (25, 2.11m) for the next three years. Last season, Wiley was named the MVP in the Turkish League with Tofas Bursa, boasting impressive stats of 15.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, nearly 2 blocks per game, and an outstanding 68.3% from the field.

Wiley, an Auburn University graduate, finished his senior season averaging nearly a double-double per game with 10.6 points, 9.2 rebounds along with 1.6 blocks. He is considered a highly athletic center and one of the best rebounders in his age group.

The Birmingham, Alabama native began his professional career overseas with Trier in the German league where he immediately made an impact with 14.6 points and 8.8 rebounds in his rookie season. In 2022, he moved to Neptunas in Lithuania, consistently delivering 10.9 points, 8.9 rebounds and 63% from the field in less than 20 minutes per game. Last season, he joined Tofas and produced a standout year.

“I am very excited to join a club with a rich history and tradition,” Wiley said to the club’s official website. “But also with a great future that we will all work together to fulfill. I can’t wait to meet the great players we already have on the team and especially the fans I’ve heard so much about. Yalla Hapoel!”

Coach Yonatan Alon added, “The fact that Austin chose to join us after a peak season in Turkey is a great testament of our intentions and his desire to be part of our exciting journey for the coming years. We signed a very physical center with a rare sense for rebounds, excellent presence in the paint and of course one who is at the right age. I’m sure Hapoel fans will enjoy him and he will enjoy them.”