Anthony Hickey joined Hapoel Haifa for the 2022/23 season as the 29-year old makes his first foray into Israeli basketball. The 5”11 guard makes the Carmel Reds his 11th stop in his professional career since the 2015/16 campaign that spans countries such as Greece, Germany, Cyprus, Romania and Kazakhstan.

Hickey who honed his trade at LSU between 2011-2014 and Oklahoma State during the 2014/15 academic year is slated to be an important part of head coach Sharon Drucker’s backcourt, “We are happy to have Anthony join the Red family as we looked to add someone that is a leader, tough and talented. Anthony has all of that.”

Last season with Astana, Hickey played in the VTB league and put up phenomenal numbers with 22.5 points, 7.75 assists, and 2.4 steals in close to 39 minutes per game.

To get to know Haifa’s new floor general, The Sports Rabbi spoke to a number of journalists and former teammates to get a sense of what Israeli hoops fans can expect this coming season.

Greek Journalist, Harris Stavrou: “Anthony is a hard working guy, loves practice and he has so much energy. Besides his leadership, he is a game changer having the control of the pace and he is also an efficient decision maker as a PG. His midrange pull up was always superb but is a streaky shooter from the arc though. Solid defensively, always going for the steal, he is a deflection type of player who always puts his hands everywhere. Great guy, good teammate, nice character.”

Former Bnei Herzliya big man Elijah Thomas played with Hickey at Larisa: Best PG I’ve played with. Lighting fast, a leader on and off the court and he has a winner attitude.”

Jehyve Floyd who played for Hapoel Gilboa Galil and also played with the guard at Larisa: “Hickey is an underdog. He helped start up my career bringing that type of energy midway through my rookie year. He can impact the game on both ends and plays with massive speed. I know he will do very well in the Winner League.”

Jalen Courtney Williams who today is an assistant coach at Creighton and played with Hickey at LSU: “Anthony is a high level competitor! His mentality gives everyone around him confidence in their ability to win. He always shows up in big moments!”

Shavon Coleman who played with Hapoel Holon and played with Hickey for two years at LSU: “I can say that he’s going to make a big impact on his team. He’s the type of player who makes everyone on his team better. One of the best point guards that I played with. He’s a tough and quick PG that is hungry to be great and show his talent off.”

Aaron Jones who played with Hickey in his second term with Rethymno: “He’s a hard-nosed floor general that looks to pass first and also can score. He is always willing to play defense…and he’s all about winning.”

Nick Russell who played with the guard at Patras: “Hickey is a phenomenal player. He can create his own shot and he can create shots for his teammates. He is a hard work and a good point guard/team leader. He can drive, score and can shoot the 3. Very tough and solid defender for his size. Haifa got a winner and good player in Anthony Hickey.”

Justin Hamilton played with Hickey at LSU: “Anthony is a great pick up for Hapoel Haifa. One of the quickest players I’ve ever played with, great anticipation and will always play to win. Very good player and better person!”

Skylar Spencer at Astana: “Exciting player. Plays hard on defense and is an all-around offensive threat. Also a good team leader.”

Leyton Hammonds from Oklahoma State: “He’s a great player, even better teammate. A strong competitor and he’s very competitive. One of the best point guards I’ve ever played with.”