LeDay signs with Hapoel Tel Aviv after his time in Milan

The Hapoel Tel Aviv has officially announced the signing of Zach LeDay, who joins from Olimpia Milano after two excellent campaigns in the Euroleague. The Israeli club confirmed the signing through its social media channels, thus closing a deal that was already known within European basketball circles.

Standing at 2.02 meters, LeDay is considered one of the most outstanding small forwards in European basketball in recent years. His arrival at the Tel Aviv team represents a significant reinforcement for the squad, which relies on his experience and versatility to enhance its sports project.

A Career Marked by European Experience

LeDay's journey in European professional basketball is extensive and diverse. After completing his college education in the United States, where he attended the University of South Florida from 2012 to 2014 before transferring to Virginia Tech, where he played until 2017, the player started his professional career in Israel with Hapoel Gilboa Galil.

Since then, he has gained experience with some of the premier clubs on the continent. His stints at Olympiacos, Žalgiris Kaunas, and Partizan Belgrade solidified his reputation as a top-tier competitor. However, it was with Olimpia Milano where he reached his peak performance in recent years, with two distinct periods in the Italian club.

His first Milanese experience dates back to the 2020-2021 season, after which he moved to Belgrade to play three years with Partizan. Subsequently, he returned to Milan for a second period that has lasted until this current signing, demonstrating the Italian club's confidence in his abilities and his importance within the tactical scheme.

Outstanding Statistics in the Euroleague

During his last two seasons with Olimpia Milano, LeDay has delivered solid numbers in the Euroleague. The small forward has averaged 13.1 points per game, accompanied by 4.2 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 0.5 steals. His shooting percentages are particularly noteworthy: he has converted 51.4 percent of his two-point attempts and 49.5 percent of his three-pointers.

These statistical records highlight LeDay's offensive reliability, both in the paint and from beyond the arc, an aspect that has significantly improved according to Hapoel's technical assessments. His ability to contribute in various aspects of the game makes him a versatile asset for any tactical system.

Statements by LeDay and the Coaching Staff

The player himself has expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter. "I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to join Hapoel Tel Aviv. From the very beginning, I felt the ambition of this club and the belief in what we are building together," stated LeDay in an official communication.

Hapoel's sporting director, George Chinas, has positively assessed the acquisition. "It is a great privilege for us to welcome Zach into the Hapoel family. He is a player who has made his mark in European basketball as a true warrior and a top-level competitor. Zach can play in both positions, he is very versatile, and will bring a new dimension to our game," Chinas declared.

On his part, the team's head coach, Dimitris Itoudis, also provided his perspective on the signing. "I welcome Zach to our family. He is full of motivation to create a culture in Hapoel. He can play both power forward and center, has improved his game in the last year, including his three-point shooting, and will bring his experience in the Euroleague," commented the Greek coach.

A Contract Until 2028

The agreement reached between LeDay and Hapoel extends until the conclusion of the 2027-28 season, providing stability for both the player and the club. Such long-term commitments reflect mutual trust in the project and the intention to build a competitive team over time.

The arrival of the American small forward comes at a time when Hapoel seeks to strengthen its squad with profiles boasting proven experience in top-level European competitions. LeDay, with his background in the Euroleague and his tenure with prestigious teams, fits perfectly into this working philosophy.

His addition concludes a market move that was already anticipated in the industry, following weeks of speculation confirmed by specialized sources. Hapoel Tel Aviv has succeeded in securing the services of a player who promises to bring offensive quality, tactical versatility, and leadership to the locker room in the upcoming years.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, LeDay firma con el Hapoel Tel Aviv tras su paso por Milán