Briante Weber is the latest top level talent to land in Israel as the guard will make his debut on Sunday (19:00) when Bnei Herzliya hosts Hapoel Haifa. The 29-year old floor general arrived in the Holy Land after Quinton Hooker went down with an injury and is known as lock down defender a trait that he honed during his time with the VCU Rams between 2011-2015 when he was named the Atlantic-10 Defensive Player of the Year. In his senior year, Weber averaged 8.1 points, 4.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 3.9 steals per game.

After beginning his professional career in the G-League, Weber appeared for a number of NBA teams including the Houston Rockets and Charlotte Hornets between 2015-2018. In 2019, the Virginia native made his first foray overseas when he signed with Olympiacos where he averaged 12 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game and from there also played in France while most recently Weber featured in Puerto Rico.

To find out more about Weber, The Sports Rabbi was in touch with a number of the guard’s former teammates to see exactly what Bnei Herzliya and their fans can expect.

Virginia Commonwealth University teammates:

Juvonte Reddic: Briante has been a guy who always brings energy wherever he go. He is one of the best on ball defensive players I have ever played with. Overall he is a really good person and he plays the game with a chip on his shoulder. A very good addition for Herzliya.

Torey Burston: He’s always dependable. If I’m going to war with a teammate I want to be ON HIS TEAM. He’s an energy giver and full of enthusiasm 24/7. I know that because I was his roommate for 3 years haha. Love him!!

Sioux Falls Skyforce G-League Teammates:

Raphiael Putney: I can speak on Briante as being a leader and someone who is truly dedicated to being a great player and teammate. He’s had a lot of injuries and to see him persevere has been a blessing. He still is a great player and just wants to show he can still play regardless of his injuries. I can also say he is a great defender and point guard. One of the best teammates I’ve played with because he bring a lot of energy and it allows his team to feed off of it.

Tre Kelley: I got a chance to play with Briante Weber for one season. He was a young player but one of the most passionate players I have ever seen. Briante’s pure love for the game and for big moments are part of his greatest assets as a ball player. Defensively, Briante is in a class of his own. Someone who disrupts the other team’s offense by himself. He has developed his offensive game making him a complete player. I have been proud to see his growth as a basketball player and as a young man. He will be one of the best guards in Israel this season.

Nigel Spikes: I can say a lot about Briante. He’s a great guy, extreme competitor, hard worker, one of the best defending guards I’ve ever seen. He never lets obstacles slow him down, will always battle threw any adversity. He’s a people person, great locker room guy and fans will love him. He is one of the few players who can fit in any system around the world playing basketball. He’s a player you would love to have on your team but hate to play against.

Jalen Bradley: Briante is a very unique person to be around. I’ve never seen someone with as much energy as him. His game is so creative and he is one of very few people I was afraid to go against. He is notorious for his steals, but he is a guy who always supports his teammates and rides with his team. I always cheered for guys like him to make it to the NBA, and he is good enough, but not everyone has a spot. I wish him luck and it’s has been cool to see him grow as a man off the court in recent years.

Emanuel Terry: Great person / individual fun teammate to be around helped me shine in important moments I am very happy to see him back healthy and playing a sport I know he loves and respects. I have no doubt he will get better and help his coaches and teammates get better.

Greg Whittington: Great player, he’s always going to compete and give his all! Going to be a dog on defense and an exiting player on offense! Locker room guy and very passionate about the game!

Luis Montero: Great teammate off the court and on the court hard working man always positive.