It’s clear that Roman Sorkin has become the next Israeli Euroleague superstar. The big man does it all. From scoring, dunking, blocking and rebounding the Minsk, Belarus born Sorkin has continued to climb up the ladder of success. 

As Maccabi Tel Aviv heads into another double week with a date at Dubai on Tuesday and then a home game against Valencia (which will be played in Jerusalem due to Chanukah festivities at Yad Eliyahu) they’ll certainly need Sorkin to be at his best as the yellow-and-blue look to build on their 2-game winning streak and improve on their 5-10 record. 

The 29-year old has developed into a bonafide superstar that can play at the highest of levels drawing interest from NBA clubs as the one-time Oregon Duck center who barely saw the floor in college has turned into one of the greats.

In Maccabi Tel Aviv’s first Euroleague game back in Israel since the start of the October 7, 2023 war Sorkin proved to be unstoppable scoring 26 points matching Yotam Halperin’s record for a Sabra in the continent’s top competition. 

Sorkin, who played for Maccabi Haifa beginning in the 2017-18 season after finishing his time at Oregon moved to the yellow-and-blue since the 2021-22 campaign and has slowly but surely turned into a dominant force and one that head coach Oded Katash has not rushed along. In that debut campaign in the Euroleague, Sorkin only played 8.3 minutes per game but then doubled that output in the following two seasons. This year he’s putting in 22 minutes per game and scoring 14 points in those contests while loving every second of it. 

Despite his age, Katash believes that Sorkin is still developing and has even better days ahead of him, “Usually, when talking about a player Roman’s age, even though he’s not old of course, you’re talking about a player who is foundational and I still think Roman has potential. I’ve coached many players throughout my career. I wouldn’t say the same things about all players at this stage of their careers. His ability to be more consistent and demand more of himself and continue to develop, that’s something he does. I’m very proud of him. As you know, I really admire him and it’s a great privilege for me to believe in him. I hope and wish that he will break many more records.”

His teammates revere him and only have the finest things to say about the center including Tamir Blatt who has been at Sorkin’s side for many years since their days with Israel’s youth national teams as the guard was in awe of Sorkin’s points record. 

“That’s something else,” Blatt said. “I mean, he’s unique, you know. I’ve known Roman since we were 16 and to see the way he elevates his game every year and the level he’s playing is unbelievable. I’m just happy he’s my teammate.”

One of Sorkin’s front court teammates Marcio Santos also spoke about what he sees the Israeli can bring to the table, “He brings experience and he knows how to play. He’s been playing in this league for years and he has been able to really help me by giving me tips, how to do this and how to do that. We’re learning how to play together as is the entire team. I think it’s a great thing for him to match the record. Everybody knows Roman is a great player, he’s a great guy off the court and of course on the court, he works hard and all of that is going to pay off.”

When Sorkin found out that he had matched Halperin’s mark, he actually didn’t want to even believe it and credited his teammates, “Doron Jamchi has that it’s a 40, no? Oh in the EuroLeague, wow, I didn’t know, it’s a great honor, it’s an honor to be with Yotam, he’s an amazing player. Thank you to everyone on the team for everything they’ve done for me, thank you, I don’t play one on one, so thank you all here and I hope I can break this record as well.”

The game which marked the first time Maccabi played in the Euroleague at their real home in Tel Aviv since October 5, 2023 when they beat Partizan was an emotional one that Sorkin will not forget, “Amazing, we’re so happy to be back home, play with our fans here back home is incredible. We’re really excited being home, playing in front of our crowd. We want to say thank you for everybody who let this happen once again and thank you to Belgrade for hosting us for so long, it’s something unbelievable.” 

“We just want to keep playing home. It’s so much fun to play at home and it’s so tough to beat us at home. Something about this arena, Yad Eliyahu that you’re just stepping into the energy and you can just feel it. I missed it and now it’s just going to get better and better.”

Blatt also shared his thoughts about having the games return to Israel, “It was amazing. I mean, after two and a half years, going through so much, you know, as a team, also the country and now to be able to play with our fans, which, you know, they’re like our sixth man. We really needed it and the energy was amazing. It was just like thrill, a big thrill. I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to many more.”

Katash shared his thoughts on the Israel return of the Euroleague games and how emotional a moment it was to finally have the experience once again, “This wasn’t about basketball, it was above and beyond the game. It was really special for us. We were so emotional. I’m sure that each one of the players, staff, coaching staff and everyone around the club, it was a really special for all of us. To experience that crazy and great atmosphere, playing in front of our fans finally a EuroLeague game. That’s the most important thing and that’s why I feel like it’s really special.”