Hapoel Tel Aviv’s prize signing Vasilije Micic landed in Israel early Monday morning at Ben Gurion Airport as the Serbian guard was greeted club personnel, media and some fans. Micic inked a 3-year deal just last week to help lead Head Coach Dimitrios Itoudis’s squad after having played in the NBA over the past few years. The 31-year old floor general captured back-to-back Euroleague championships with Andolu EFES in 2021 and 2022 and was also named the competition’s MVP during the 2021 campaign.

Upon his arrival, Micic spoke about joining the Reds, the project that he will be a part of as well as the security situation in the Holy Land.

“Thanks for coming, it’s very late,” Micic began. “I’m very happy., its’ been a long journey for me and I am happy that things ended this way. I have an idea as to what it’s like to be part of a new project and to create something for the future.”

“At the same time I was in contact with Coach Dimitrios Itoudis a long time ago about the idea of working together. With the additional push and effort from the President and owner of the team Ofer Yannay everything ended up pretty well. I am happy to arrive here in Tel Aviv, it’s really one of the most beautiful cities and I am happy to start a new journey with the team.”

Micic also spoke about his new team which will be his 5th Euroleague squad, “I know a lot about the club, the fans and they have a long history. I really didn’t know that much before last year where they had a great achievement in winning the EuroCup and quickly established themselves as an important part of the Euroleague. I think we have built a very good team with some players who are staying from last year and some newcomers. I think with the right attitude and a lot of work, we have a good chance to build a good dynasty here.”

As many players have decided to leave Israel due to the ongoing war with Hamas and recent conflict with Iran, Micic didn’t have an issue joining Hapoel, We all follow the news and I mentioned to Ofer that I am coming from a country that had a lot of adversities and challenges. As long as it is safe for you guys, it’s safe for me. It’s not something that really scares me it’s something that unites people more and I believe that this is the right time to come and I don’t feel any problem with that. “