“I grew up a lot in Israel as a person and a player” – Amir Bell returns with Bamberg in Galil Elyon clash

Oct 19, 2022 | Holyland Hoops

Hapoel Galil Elyon and Brose Bamberg tip-off in FIBA Europe Cup group stage action on Wednesday up north at Kfar Blum as the Galilee squad will look to win their second continental clash in a row. However, the German team arrives in the Holy Land with a unique twist as the team dotted with plenty of Israeli influence including head coach Oren Amiel, former Galil Elyon big man and national team member Gaby Chachashvili along with Amir Bell who plied his trade down south with Hapoel Beer Sheva for more than two years.

Just ahead of the matchup, The Sports Rabbi spoke to Bell about his time in Israel, the Sabras on his team plus his new home at Freak City.

Amir Bell – Photo Credit: Europecup


“I really like the team and we are still getting to know each other but we have good chemistry. We have a really good group of guys and I think we can have a good season. Our goal was to qualify for the Champions League so it was tough not to make it but the German league has been very competitive and Europe Cup is also a great opportunity. Bamberg is a first class organization and we want to play well for the fans.”

About Bamberg head coach Oren Amiel:
“He demands a lot from us as a team and he wants us to be very good. That’s what you want as a player. It’s been very good working with him.”

Gaby Chachashvili and Bamberg – Photo Credit: Dov Halickman


On Gaby Chachashvili’s impact on the team:
“It’s been really fun so far and I forget he’s only 22 sometimes. He has a great career ahead of him and he has a lot of tools. I’m excited to watch him grow and where he will go in his career.”

Hapoel Beer Sheva:
“It was really good and I was very fortunate to play with the team and be with the club as well as playing with one of my best friend’s from college (Spencer Weisz). The competition was great and it was a great 2.5 years and there are a lot of good memories.”

Amir Bell and Spencer Weisz – Photo Credit: Dov Halickman


Former Beer Sheva coach Rami Hadar:
“I really enjoyed playing with Rami and you know exactly what you are getting with him. The players really respected him and I hope he has a good year at Galil Elyon.”

Playing with Caleb Agada:
“I loved playing with him and Caleb’s my guy. He is always working on his game and has the attitude and mindset of always playing with a chip on his shoulder. He’s playing great and I hope he continues to do so.”

His growth in Israel and now a return:
“I grew a lot as a person and player and found out more about myself both on and off the court. I was able to work on different aspects of my game while also learning about a new culture and the country of Israel. I’m excited and I didn’t think I would be back so soon but it’s great to play a good Galil Elyon team and coming to Israel brings back so many good memories that I had the last few years.”

Amir Bell and Keenan Evans – Photo Credit: Basket.co.il


Key to defeating Galil Elyon:
“Limiting our turnovers and playing our style and make sure we take good shots as well as playing defense the way we are capable.”

Dreams:
“I just want to continue progressing as a player in my career and hopefully play at the highest level and get to the Euroleague which is what any player in Europe would want to achieve.”

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