A dominant power forward who led the Israeli national team to several international titles and played professionally in Europe and the NBA. Known for his clutch performances and versatility on the court.
At 2.06 meters tall and 105 kilograms strong, Lior Eliyahu is a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. The Israeli power forward has made a name for himself in the international basketball scene, earning the title of Israeli Basketball Premier League MVP not once, but twice, in 2012 and 2015.
Born on September 9, 1985, in Ramat Gan, Israel, Eliyahu grew up with a passion for basketball. He began his career in the youth system of Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan, but it was his move to Galil for the 2004-2005 season that catapulted him to success. Under the guidance of Oded Katash, Eliyahu's game saw significant improvement, catching the attention of scouts and coaches around the world.
In 2006, Eliyahu entered the NBA draft, a move that was met with criticism from his coach at the time, Hanoch Mintz. However, Eliyahu's impressive performances in predraft camps in Europe and matches against NBA teams proved his doubters wrong. He went on to play in the EuroLeague, averaging 10.8 points per game in the 2006-2007 season.
In December 2008, Eliyahu made history by becoming the first Israeli to be named EuroLeague MVP of the Month. He continued to impress, averaging 14.0 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in the 2008-2009 EuroLeague season.
Off the court, Eliyahu is known for his humility and dedication to his craft. His success has inspired a generation of young Israeli basketball players, and his legacy continues to grow with each passing year.
Although he has retired from professional basketball, Eliyahu's impact on the sport will be felt for years to come. He remains an icon in Israeli basketball, and his achievements will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of players.
37 Years Old
Israeli professional basketball player who has played in the NBA and internationally, known for being the first Israeli-born player in the NBA.
38 Years Old
Israeli professional basketball player who played in the NBA and European leagues, known for being the second Israeli-born player to play in the NBA.
74 Years Old
Israeli basketball legend who led the national team to a historic silver medal at the 1979 European Championship as a player and later coached the team to several international titles. Known for his innovative coaching style and ability to motivate players.
67 Years Old
A renowned basketball coach who led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals and is credited with popularizing the " Princeton offense" strategy. He's also known for his successful stint as the head coach of the Russian national team.