Member of Knesset Hili Tropper was named the new Minister for Culture and Sports as Miri Regev will move aside with the new Israeli government being sworn in. The Israel Basketball League gave their congratulations to the new minister and wish him much success as he enters the position in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

The League is hopeful that Tropper will be able to help compensate the clubs due to the losses incurred from COVID-19 as well as helping build new facilities and join the fight in violence. League Chairman Shmuel Frankel has already been in contact with Tropper and the two will need next week. Frankel also invited Tropper to attend one of the first games when the season resumes in June.

Hapoel Beer Sheva made a slew of signings bringing in no less than 3 new players. Big man Joe Furstinger comes over from GTK Gliwice where he averaged 11.8p/7.2r, Ukrainian/Israeli Andriy Kulish joins the team from KDPU where he clocked in a double/double of 18.3p/10.0r and Evan Bruinsma joins the southern club from Germany where he played for Bayreuth and averaged 8.9p/4.6r.

Shannon Shorter joins Hapoel Eilat from Greek squad PAOK where he averaged 16.9p in 8 games and began the season in Korea. Shorter has played in Israel beforehand with Kfar Saba and Afula. Cameron Oliver inked with Nes Ziona as the former Nevada forward played in Australia this past season with Cairns Taipans and averaged averaged 17p/9.4r.

Jimmy Hall came to terms with Hapoel Holon. Hall who played with Maccabi Hod Hasharon this season went to Kent State and averaged 18.9p/13.6r/4a this season.

Finally to wrap up a busy day, Sek Henry who is already in Israel will stay with Hapoel Tel Aviv, Su Braimoh will rejoin Jerusalem and JP Tokoto will return to Nes Ziona with the latter two players coming from the United States.

The Israel Soccer League released the schedule for the first four rounds of action once the season resumes at the end of May. The first game will pit Maccabi Tel Aviv hosting Hapoel Haifa at Bloomfield Stadium at 8pm on Saturday May 30th while Beitar Jerusalem will welcome Hapoel Beer Sheva and Maccabi Haifa will play Hapoel Tel Aviv.

On Tuesday Hapoel Tel Aviv and Beitar Jerusalem will battle it out at Bloomfield while the next night Maccabi Tel Aviv will host Maccabi Haifa. On June 7, the Haifa derby will take place when Maccabi hosts Hapoel at Sammy Ofer Stadium while the next day Maccabi Tel Aviv heads to Jerusalem.

Make sure to listen to The Sports Rabbi Show, Holy Land Hoops with guest Brock Motum. The Australian big man spoke about his season to date with Valencia, Aussies in the NBA, role models, Saras, Ataman & his former Washington State roommate, one Klay Thompson!

Sports Rabbi Fun Photo of the Day! Former Maccabi Tel Aviv forward Deshaun Thomas in a Special #TBT Pic!