Amit Sherf was recently appointed as the new head coach of Hapoel Holon replacing Guy Goodes. Sherf had been an assistant with the purples since 2018, arriving from Nes Ziona while having also served in the same capacity with some of the Israel Youth National Teams. In 2020, Sherf took over the reins from Stefanos Dedas during the COVID-19 season that ended in the summer of that year.

Sherf is a very well respected figure among the Holon brass as well as former players who plied their trade under him along with Dedas who spoke very highly of him and his ability to take on the responsibility to lead the club.

Chris Johnson, who captained Hapoel Holon and won the 2021/22 league championship, spoke in depth about what Sherf brings to the table: First of all I want to say congratulations to him, I told him through Whatsapp, but just an overall a great person, I’m very excited for him to get the head coaching job. I love Israel, and I told him before that I think he has great potential and one day he’ll be a great coach.

“The time is now for him so I’m very excited to see what he’s going to do with Holon, the fans and the organization. I know that the organization put their trust in him and they’re going to be in good hands. Overall just a great guy, in the past 3 years we built a relationship and he’s one of my favorite coaches by far, head coach or assistant coaches, and you see it. In the 3 years that I was there, he had the opportunity to be a head coach or interim, even when the coach got ejected he took over. I think maybe he lost one game if I’m not mistaken out of the games that we played when he was there as a head coach.

“I especially remember the Karsiyaka game 2 years ago when Dedas got kicked out, he kept his poise as we were down maybe double digits and we came back and won on the road. It just showed his tactics and that even though he’s young he has a lot of potential as he understands the games, understands his players and just wants the best for his players, so I’m definitely excited to see what he’s going to do. This year I’d definitely be keeping the contact with him along with the team. I’m happy for him and I wish him nothing but the best.”

Michale Kyser who was also part of the team that won the title last season said: “He’s a great individual, a kind hearted, caring person, who is quiet, but is always working to be better then the day before, He helped me a lot during the time I was in Holon become not only a better player, but a better individual. On the court he’s as locked in as the players and always wants the best out of not only himself, but the team. He’s quiet, but you know tigers are quiet before they go get their kill. I’m extremely happy for him and his family and excited to see him, take over Holon, if anybody deserves it, he does.”

TJ Cline who also played under Sherf commented: “He is the most professional, down to earth, never too high or too low, very calm, one of the best coaches that way that I ever had. He understands the players’ emotional sides and understands to combine the plays with how each player works, so I thought he was a really good coach when I was in Holon, I really came close to him and I think he’s a great hire.”

Erick Green who played with the team for part of the season noted: “Coach is amazing, he’s gonna do a wonderful job there, he knows his stuff. Holon is in good hands, Coach Guy was amazing as well, he was underneath him, learned a lot and even when Sherfi stepped in, coached and did practices he really did a good job. I really believe he’s gonna be a great coach for Holon and I think Holon will have a great season next year like they’ve continued to have in the past.”

Willy Workman: “I’m very very happy and excited for Sharfee. He’s a great coach and an even better person. One of the best and most hard working people I’ve been around in 10 years of Israeli basketball. He will have success now and in the future.”

Khalif Wyatt: “Sherffffffff!!! Great guy man! Great coach. I’m happy for him.”

Jimmy Hall: “Happy for him, and I wish him the best of luck.”

Isaiah Miles: “LOVE Amit. Very happy for him to get the head coaching job. He’s very good coach who knows alot about basketball. I remember a few games Dedas would get ejected and we’d be down and then Amit would take over and help us come back for the win.”

Shawn Jones: “I heard the news! Am excited for him he has been the brains behind the scenes for a while so I am happy he is getting a chance to show what he can do. Amit is good guy and coach. He is very detailed in how he coaches and in scouting and he is someone that like to develop the players who are willing to listen. Hapoel Holon is in good hands.”

Steve Zack: “One of the hardest working guys in that club and the players notice that and respect him a lot for it. Always prepared and has a great basketball mind. I think he will have great success as the head coach.”

Harel Dadon:“First of all he’s an incredible person and it was great to train and play under him. He has an incredible basketball mind and the years he had next to some of the great coaches gave him a tremendous amount of experience that he has been able to gain from. One is able to learn a lot of basketball from Amit.”