Israeli forwards Oz Blayzer joined Hapoel Jerusalem on a two-year deal while Rafi Menco inked a contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv for the upcoming campaign.

Blayzer arrives in the Capital City following two years with the yellow-and-blue in which he won a league title and State Cup along with taking part in the Euroleague as Menco heads to Maccabi after a successful season at Hapoel Holon which culminated in winning the domestic championship less than a month ago.

“We are happy that Oz has come on board,” Jerusalem coach Aleksandar Dzikic said. “This signing checks off a number of boxes as he is competitive, experienced, very hardworking, able to help on both sides of the court and another trait we greatly appreciate is that he is very ambitious. Welcome Oz!”

Oz Blazer said, “I am very happy to join Hapoel and I have always loved playing in the arena, the energy during the games here have always been amazing and I look forward to playing with the Reds. I promise to fight and give everything that I can to lead the team to success and titles. I’ve also heard a lot of good things about Coach Dzikic and I expect to learn a lot from him.”

The 29-year old Blayzer has played for a number of clubs prior to his time at Maccabi Tel Aviv including Bnei Herzliya, Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Rishon Le’Zion and has averaged 8.7 points in his career.

Rafi Menco will once again play under Oded Katash who coached the 28-year old at Hapoel Eilat as well as the Israel National Team. In addition to the Red Sea squad, Menco also played in Israel with Hapoel Jerusalem, Gilboa Galil, Hapoel Tel Aviv along with having featured for Chalon in France and just this past season with Hapoel Holon.

“I am very pleased to join forces with Rafi once again,” said Katash. “Apart from his personal abilities, Rafi brings lots of energy and basketball IQ. He is a hard worker has made progress every year and joins Maccabi at his prime. He is ready, at the right age and with the right confidence.”

Menco also commented about joining the yellow-and-blue, “I am happy to join such a big club as Maccabi, with all its history. I played at Yad Eliyahu as an opponent many times and imagining myself as a Maccabi player is pretty nice. I believe that when it happens I will have a feeling you can’t describe. I have watched Maccabi play in the EuroLeague so many times, with the arena filled with the great energy of the fans. I just can’t wait and want to get started.”