Mike Bothwell joined Hapoel Galil Elyon for the 23/24 season for what will be his debut campaign as a professional. The 23-year old guard attended Furman University where he spent five years playing for the Paladins as he averaged 17.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists in his senior year. This past summer he played with the Cleveland Cavaliers Summer League team that took home the 2023 title.

Head Coach Barak Peleg said, “Mike’s a creative and strong player who knows how to get to the hoop. His style is perfect for the team.”

To learn more about Mike Bothwell, The Sports Rabbi spoke to a number of his Furman teammates:

Jonny Lawrence: Mike is a phenomenal player obviously, but the things that make him really unique are is his character, likability, humbleness, motivation, and leadership. Everyone loves him because he shows love to everyone

Rett Lister: Over the last 4 years I’ve been able to witness how serious Mike is about this game. He is always looking to perfect his craft even in the simple fundamentals. When the lights come on, there is no one I’d rather have on my team. Mike is a true winner, a leader, and a gamer. I’m very proud of one of my great friends and teammates for his opportunity in Israel!

Brady Schuck: Awesome teammate! Played one year with him at Furman, my senior year. He was always confident even as a freshman. Great personality that really connects with others. Elite person!

Garrett Hien: Mike is somebody who you can always count on to bring energy to the gym. Not a day went by where he wouldn’t be the loudest guy in the gym and was pouring into his teammates. He always looks to make those around him better and was in the gym 24/7. He is the definition of a winner and does everything he can in order to help his team win. He’s a tough player who can make tough shots, especially in the clutch, and he always brings a sense of joy to the gym when he is playing

Robert Swanson: Mike Bothwell is a very unselfish player who will do whatever it takes to win. He brings a great amount of toughness to his team. He is great at getting his teammates involved. He is able to score anywhere on the floor. Bothwell is able to play multiple positions and is also able to guard many different positions on the floor. His size and build allow him to have an advantage against smaller guards

Conley Garrison: Mike is one of the best teammates I have ever had. I’m so happy for him to get the opportunity to play in such a good league. On the court, I will always remember his knack for making big plays at the end of games. Mike is a very good scorer who can score from anywhere on the court. Off the court, he is a great teammate because of how much he cares about people. I know Mike will do well because he is smart, skilled, and his teammates will love him. I expect big things from him this year!

Joe Anderson: one of the best teammates on and off the court i’ve ever played with. great leader by being vocal with his team but more then that he has always led whatever team he’s on by his actions. Great finisher and natural scorer! Love having him on my team hate playing against him!

Blake Harris: I walked onto the team last year, Mike’s 5th year as a senior, but I had a few interactions with him before that and each one was genuine; I could tell he wasn’t only a great basketball player, he was a great person. After I joined the team he was one of the main ones to make me feel like I was a part of the team. He would shoot with me, give me advice, and always be there for anything I needed. Throughout the season I saw how tirelessly he worked, the love he had for the game, and the love he had for his coaches and teammates. He treated me like he had known me for a long time, he didn’t act like a celebrity or as if he was too good for anyone. On the court he’s an alpha, he’ll take over in any way necessary and do whatever it takes to help his team win no matter what it is. He’s level headed and always wants everyone involved. One thing that describes him is humble and hungry. Mike is truly one of the best players I’ve played with.

Alex Hunter: Mike is a great player and leader. He is an elite scorer and someone who can play on and off ball. He will always find ways to help his team win. He can also defend multiple positions

Jalen Williams: He’s one most unselfish players I’ve played with. He’d do anything to ensure the team’s success is greater than his own individual stats. As leader watching over the years it’s exciting how he’s balanced being the go to person and making plays for others. Excited to see him continue to have even more success at the pro level. He’ll make any team he’s on better immediately!!