Hapoel Tel Aviv welcomed Levi Randolph back to Israel after having signed the forward though the 2026/27 season after starting this past season with Zenit St. Petersburg. This will be Randolph’s third team in Israel as the 33-year old played last season with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the two prior years with Hapoel Jerusalem.

After landing back in the Holy Land, Randolph spoke about the decision to return to Israel to continue his playing career.

“I’m happy to be back. It’s been a long season for me so far and I’ve played a lot of basketball so far. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to come here and play with a really good team,” Randolph began.

“I know they’re trying to make a playoff push,” the Alabama native continued. “Getting ready to go to the EuroLeague playoffs, so I appreciate that, to be able to come here and add my part wherever I can. You guys know me well. I just try to affect winning, do whatever I can on the court to help a team win, bring my energy, and try to stay positive. So, like I said, happy to be back, ready to play some basketball.”

Randolph spoke about how the deal with Hapoel Tel Aviv ended up coming about, “They made the call. They presented an opportunity. I was going through a really, pretty much a really good season. I was helping Zenit to make a playoff push as well, but to be able to get the opportunity to come and play in the EuroLeague, once again, it’s the highest level of basketball. You know, it’s hard to turn that down.”

The Reds host Milano this Thursday night at Yad Eliyahu, but Randolph doesn’t believe he will jump right back into Euroleague play, “I think it’s kind of soon. I got to get to know the team and learn the plays and everything, so I’m really not sure what the plans are for Thursday. You know, it’s probably a few steps that I need to go through before it’s time to play.”

However, next week there will be a Tel Aviv Euroleague Derby on tap, “It won’t be my first time playing against Maccabi. I spent two years in Jerusalem before that, so I played him a lot of times. It may be kind of different because they were my teammates last year. I have a lot of friends over there playing for that team, but it’s basketball. I’m with Hapoel Tel Aviv now, so that’s what time it is.”

Due to Hapoel having already registered ten imports for the Israeli league, they will not be able to list Randolph and he will only be available for continental clashes, “You know that would be kind of different not to play in the league. I know the league, really good league, a lot of good teams, but I’m here to support. Like I said, I’m here to add value however I can, and me not playing in the league doesn’t mean that I can’t help support the team and help contribute to succeeding and winning the championship on that aspect too.”

Randolph also explained as to what he had missed the most in Israel, “The people. That’s the biggest thing. I have a lot of friends here, not only basketball, but outside of basketball. So just being here, being a part of the culture. I get to visit some of my favorite restaurants, eat at some of my favorite places, see some of my favorite people, so happy to be back.”

There had also been rumors that Randolph was also being courted by Hapoel Jerusalem, but those were nothing more than rumors, stating that he bean hs Israel career with the capital city reds but that was it, nothing more and nothing less as Hapoel Tel Aviv was able to bring the veteran on board.

Hapoel Head Coach Dimitrios Itoudis spoke to Randolph about joining the team the forward said, “It was just an introduction, getting to know him, him getting to know me, him letting me know, come here to work, be ready to, like I said, add value, be myself, but help however I can.

“It’s not a situation where Levi comes and tries to be the leader scorer or the hero. I just have to come and try to add value, whether it’s diving on the court, making an open shot, or waving a towel. So for me, I’m just here to help however I can and like I said, I like to win. I like to bring my passion. I mean, I’ll have to tell you guys that. You guys know me. I’ve been here a while, so I’m just here to be Levi.”

As for goals, Randolph didn’t mince any words and went straight to the point, “To win the championship.”