Julian Gamble joined Bnei Herzliya due to the injury to center Robert Carter as the 33-year old arrives in the Holy Land with years of experience and a resume that rivals the best of the best in European hoops.

The Durham, North Carolina native attended the University of Miami and was a member of the Hurricanes between 2007-2013 before turning pro as the big man headed to France for his first season overseas. Along the way, Gamble made stops in Belgium, Spain, Germany and Italy where he collected the 2021 Italian league championship with Bologna alon with advancing to the EuroCup semifinals as well.

Last year, Gamble played at Tenerife for a short spell when he filled in for the injured Giorgi Shermadini and then moved to San Pablo Burgos where he averaged 10.5 points and 4.1 rebounds.

Just as Herzliya’s new recruit looks to make an impact in Israel, The Sports Rabbi spoke to a number of the center’s former teammates to find out exactly who Julian Gamble really is.

Bologna teammates:
Frank Gaines: He’s a great center and a even better person. Herzilya is extremely fortunate to have been able to find a player like Julian on the market. I’m sure he’ll be able to turn the team season around in both leagues.

Kyle Weems: Julian is a great player but he’s an even better person. He’s like a brother to me. He’s all about winning and he’s a leader! I hope he has a great and healthy season there!

Amar Alibegovic: Great and positive guy, hard worker and amazing teammate. As player very strong, good understanding of positioning and game flow, great finisher around the rim, always looking to make a play for his teammates!

Giampaolo Ricci: He’s a great person before being a great teammate. He’s a big and positive presence inside the locker room and everyday during practice he gives his best. Energy and reliable player…definitely a great buy for Bnei Herzliya!

Lorenzo Deri: Julian is a really good player and a great teammate. He has a lot of experience, he played all around the world and it makes him very mature. He’s strong and talented, great low post player using his body and technique. He’s also a great dad. His kids are adorable!

Burgos teammate:
Tyrus McGee: Julian is a good friend of mine. I think he is Herzliya’s missing piece to the team. He’s strong inside the paint, great post moves as well. He sets good screens and can shoot the  midrange shot. We were in Spain together and he was a great teammate on an off the court!

Nanterre teammates:
Demetrius Treadwell: Ju was a great teammate. Very stand up guy and was always professional. Basketball wise he’s a good rebounder and finisher around the basket and has a High IQ.

Adas Juskevicius: Julian is really team player and will do everything for the team to win! He needs a good point guard to show his best in P&R situations because he sets good screens, seals well for position and catching the ball well!

Jean-Marc Pansa: Julian is a really good player. I had a chance to play with him and learn a lot from him when I started my first pro season and he was my big brother. He’s a good person and he gives everything he can on the court and tries to help the team the maximum he can to win.

Miami teammates:
James Dews: Julian in my opinion is the definition of a true teammate. Not only does he lead vocally but he also leads by example. He’s one of the most selfless people I’ve ever been around on and off the court. Julian is never complacent and always has and always will be a worker!

DeQuan Jones: Julian bring a lot of European experience and physicality to Herzliya. He comes from a pedigree of winning which also make him a great locker room addition and is one of the best teammates to work with. He will make an immediate impact.

Brussels teammates:
Jason Washburn: Julian is one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever had in my pro career. We continue to have a relationship years after we played together. A tremendous competitor and skilled big man he is a matchup nightmare for a lot of teams.

Travis McKie: Julian is a great guy. Played against him in college and played with him my first year as a pro. A skilled big with a lot of moves in the post, a scorer. A great team guy!

Mitchel Gorremans: Julian is a great team player on and off the court. His family always comes first and that’s something I’ll always respect. On the court he is unstoppable inside.

Bonn teammates:
Martin Breunig: Julian’s a great guy. Very inspirational and positive person. Pretty much straight forward. I actually roomed with him for a year. I literally have only good things to say about him. Very likable guy

Nemanja Durisic: Only the good things. Very outspoken and energetic on the court. Adapts and accept the culture of the club, I know he was enjoying his time in Telekom Bonn. Very family oriented person. Basketball qualities you already know!

Yorman Polas: Julian is great player. I’m sure Herzliya got a great person who likes to work hard. He is a great teammate and friend. He’s the guy who likes leaving everything on the court and he is a great father and husband.