David Efianayi joined Hapoel Beer Sheva for the 2022/23 season as the guard will head to the southern capital after a year in France’s second division. The 6”2 floor general attended Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina between 2014-2019 where he averaged 18.1 points, 2.9 assists and 3.7 rebounds in his senior year. From there it was onto Bakken Bears and then to Horsens in Denmark while last season at Denain ASC Voltaire Efianayi scored 15.1 points, dished out 3 assists and grabbed 2.4 boards in 30 minutes per game.

To get to know Efianayi and what the Beer Sheva fans can expect from the guard, The Sports Rabbi spoke to a number of former teammates as they spoke about what the supporters will see this coming season.

DJ Laster played with Efianayi at GWU: “David is someone that teammates gravitate too because of his positive attitude and leadership presence. His demeanor is very poised, but his game is very explosive and sharp like Swiss Army knife. He can score at all three levels and always looks to make the right play for his team in clutch moments. He’s very efficient and plays with the energy and expectation to win every game!”

Herve Aholode also played with the guard at University: “David was one of my favorite teammate and he is like family for me now and man, there is so much about him as player and as person in general. The number one thing about David is his personality, the way he treats people around him, he has great character, integrity, you can count on him off and on the court, he’s respectful honest and loyal. David is a hard worker, he never stops working and improving his game but he’s not just a hard worker, he has heart and cares about winning. The other thing about David is his resiliency, any team will be lucky to have David on their roster! David is a complete package whoever signed him are in for a treat!”

Another GWU teammate Laquincy Rideau had this to say: “David is one of the most explosive players ever seen. When playing with him at GWU he was constantly in the gym working on his shot and now you see the hard work is paying off.”

While Liam O’Reilly also from GWU explained: “I would say great things about my brother David Efiayani. He’s a dedicated and hard worker with a talent ready to go to the highest level of basketball. Great young man who loves his family and is passionate about the game of basketball.

GWU teammate Christian Turner: “David is extremely talented and has the ability to be elite in transition. Crafty around the rim along with being a elite athlete. A 3 level scorer that constantly puts pressure on the defense. He will require a lot of attention offensively for opposing teams. He has a relentless motor to keep improving his overall game in every area.

“David was a great teammate for me and a lifelong brother. Really cares about other people’s success and wanted to see everyone be the best version of themselves. Winning is high priority for him and so is building a relationship with his teammates. He is a selfless person and enjoys seeing others accomplish goals as well. His new teammates will be grateful to have a teammate like David.”

Adonis Burbage from GWU: “I had the pleasure of playing with him at Gardner Webb when he was a redshirt freshman and he had straight raw skills and athleticism! Again I was with him for his freshmen year but he was always eager to learn and stayed in the gym which help propelled him to have a great college career.”

Ryan Evans who played for Maccabi Raanana teamed up with the guard at Bakken Bears: “David is an explosive scorer that will bring value to the court, locker room and community. He has a ton of charisma and his style of play is great fit for the Israeli league.”

Jonathan Galloway at Bakken Bears said: “David is a true professional. He works hard, is committed to the game, and competes every time he steps on the court. Wishing nothing but the best for him and his career.”

KJ Robinson from Horsens commented: “David is a great player and a true professional. He can do it all on the court! The fans out there will love his game, but also the great person that he is.”

Gage Davis also at Horsens said: “David is a great person as well as a basketball player. He comes to work everyday and does whatever it takes to help the team. Very aggressive player, who leaves it all on the court and plays with heart. Fans are definitely in for a treat!”

Horsens teammate, Deng Geu: “David is definitely a very talented player someone that can score the ball with ease at all three levels and also get his teammates going with his passing ability; he’s also a great person off the court!”