Electrifying game, Great human being, Winner: Who are you Hapoel Eilat Big Man Andrew Smith?

Dec 21, 2023 | Holyland Hoops

Andrew Smith joined Hapoel Eilat following the start of the war with Hamas as the big man landed in the Holy Land to bolster Max Menneti’s front court and he has done just that since his arrival. The 31-year old will along with his Red Sea squad will visit Hapoel Beer Sheva on Thursday (6:30pm Israel time) as he will look to continue his fine play over the course of his first three games where he is averaging 9 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.7 blocks while playing a key role in the paint.

The Liberty University product put up solid numbers in his senior season with 9.6 points and 7.6 boards before embarking on a professional career that has seen Smith travel to Latvia, Germany, Sweden, Holland and Italy before inking a deal with Eilat. Last season the Pompano Beach, Florida native averaged 11.5 points and 8 rebounds with Kleb Basket Ferrera in Italy’s second division.

Andrew Smith – Photo credit: Yehuda Halickman


To learn more about Smith, The Sports Rabbi was in touch with a number of his former teammates who let us know exactly what the power forward/center brings to the table.

Liberty Teammates:
Chad Donley: Drew has always had an electrifying game. He has always played the game the right way, and has the ability to change the entire momentum in a single play. I couldn’t be happier for him signing with Hapoel Eilat. He is an outstanding player, and even better person. The fans are going to love him!

Joel VanderPol: Drew is one of the most gifted athletes I’ve ever played with. He has a unique ability to change the game by always being a threat at the rim on both offense and defense. His offensive skillset evolved every year which complemented his God given physical gifts. There is a reason he is a highlight reel and a pro for almost a decade. Drew is a good friend and a selfless teammate.

Tomasz Gielo: I’m good friends with Andrew and we played together in college. He’s a great athlete, whether it’s dunking the ball, blocking shots on defense, getting steals or just running the floor, I think he has an incredible motor to impact the game in a lot of ways. Capable shooter, not somebody coming off screens but when he has enough time he can knock down open 3s. Honestly I believe his game translates to all levels of basketball and I think it’s a great opportunity for him to show himself in the Israeli league. Off the court a great guy, always one of the fan favorites because of his highlight plays.

Andrew Smith – Photo credit: Yehuda Halickman


Donar Teammates:
Arvin Slgter: Great to hear that Andrew signed at Hapoel Eilat. It’s been quite some years ago now that I played with Andrew. At the time he was a young pro just out of college his second year. I think he adjusted well to our culture in Groningen at the time despite not having a starting role which isn’t always easy. But he played with a lot of energy and hustle for us. He’s great at running the floor and a spectacular player with his leaping ability. With him and Chase Fieler we had to very mobile and athletic 4’s so it was fun to play with them. His shooting was his strength at the time but it think he got better at that over the years. Overall a great guy to have on your team. Hope he does well in Eilat!

Chase Fieler: He is a great person. Extremely athletic, and plays with a lot of passion and energy! Will keep the fans entertained with highlight plays.

Stefan Mladenovic: Andrew is a great person and great teammate. Works really hard and is a spectacular player. With a good PG a lot of alley-oops and dunks and some blocks. Hard worker and a real team player. Not someone who plays for himself.

Jason Dourisseau: Drew is an elite athlete that can run the floor and is a top tier vertical threat. He can also space the floor with his shot. He’s a winner and a great team player.

Tim Hoeve: He is a great person. High flyer and a hard working person.

Rasta Vechta Teammates:
David Gonzalvez: Drew is an excellent defender. Fast and very athletic. He can clean up a lot of defensive mistakes with his great instincts and athletic ability. He has a high motor and makes explosive plays. He’s a lob threat and great finisher especially in transition. He’s a wonderful teammate on and off the court and a true champion.

Josh Young: First, Andrew is a great guy. He is a team player. Very athletic, runs the floor well and can finish above the rim. His Transition game is strong. He’s worked on his shot throughout the years so he can step out and hit the 3. On defense, he’s a rim protector.

Andrew Smith – Photo credit: Yehuda Halickman


Sodertalje Teammates:
Sheriff Drammeh: Great personality wise, very down to earth guy, very firm believer in Christ and also a great human being. He can be very laid back but also be as energetic as he is on the court and his game speaks for itself. He can do a lot of things on the floor but what makes him special is his defensive presence, his ability to play above the rim while also spacing the floor as a stretch 4/5.

Adam Karahmetovic: He is a very bouncy and athletic guy he can catch all kinds of lobs. Strong around the basket and also good at shooting threes. A calm and humble guy and nice personality.

Eric Adams: Andrew was a great teammate and even better person, on the basketball court he brought so much, his athleticism is top level and his feel for blocking shots is as well, he can stretch the floor from three which just adds another level to his game. He is a great signing for any club.

Jamtland Teammate Evariste Shonganya: He is a very good, explosive and fast athletic player, he will do the job.

Science City Jena Teammate Vuk Radojicic: First of all Andrew is really good teammate and very good person. He is a stretch 4 who can shoot and guard every position. He also read defense very good, and his atheism is crazy. I’m sure that he can help team in every situation.

Kleb Ferrera Teammate Alessandro Amici: Drew is a very good guy and a great teammate. He is a vertical player who adapts well in all situations, amazing blocker and dunker too! He run very well the court, he can do a lot of thing playing like 5 man but also as a 4.. spectacular player who will get you lots of applause.

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