TEL AVIV (Israel) – Representing Israel at FIBA EuroBasket 2025 is something that means more to Deni Avdija than anything else.
With EuroBasket on the horizon, summer workouts with the Portland Trailblazers haven’t entered the 24 year old’s mind; instead, it’s preparation for his nation, and Avdija is relishing the prospect of linking up with his fellow countrymen, many of whom he has played with through the junior ranks.
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“We have an amazing squad here, capable of great things. I will do everything possible to make this team successful.”
“I am very proud to represent the national team, it is very important for us, and I think that it is more than basketball,” Avdija said at a recent press conference.
“We are a small country, and we want to win games, compete, and go as far as we can; that is a goal for us.”
Avdija added: “I want to put the NBA aside as the Israel National Team is first and foremost at the moment, and it’s the greatest honor that a basketball player can have.
“I have been playing with these guys since I was 16, and we grew up together. We have an excellent team that can do some great things, and I will do everything in my power to succeed.”
One of the people who nurtured Avdija and helped him win the 2019 FIBA U20 EuroBasket was his coach, Ariel Beit Halahmy, who will take charge of the senior team this summer as Israel heads to Katowice to face Belgium, France, Iceland, Slovenia, and the hosts, Poland, in Group D.
Deni Avdija made an instant impact for Israel at FIBA EuroBasket 2022
“Everyone is well aware about my relationship with Coach Ariel Beit Halahmy and the gold medals speak for themselves,” Avdija said.
“He has been a very big part of my career. He [gave] me the opportunity to play with the U20 team even though I was the youngest player. I think it takes courage, and it takes a coach who believes in you from the start, so now to be able to come full circle with him is really the most exciting thing there is.”
Having enjoyed tremendous success with the Israeli national side before he made the step to the senior setup in 2019, the Beit Zera native averaged 15.9 points and 8.7 rebounds in his junior career.
He then made an instant impact in his first EuroBasket in 2022; posting 14.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. However, despite helping Israel secure two victories, they were unable to advance past the Group Phase.
This time around, Avdija is confident that Israel can overcome a tough opening round and progress to the Final Rounds in Riga.
“I really believe in the group of guys that are here, and I hope that we can go as deep as possible,” Avdija explained.
“We have a very talented squad, a great staff, and a great coach, so I see no reason that we can not reach the later stages of the EuroBasket.
“These are my expectations, and I expect myself and everyone to have the same expectations. I think we really can do it.”
FIBA