Bnei Herzliya enters the Basketball Champions League (BCL) draw with a clear goal – secure a regular‑season group spot and improve their table standing. The team will join the 30 clubs already qualified directly, with the first games kicking off on October 6.
What’s happening with the draw?
The 11th‑season draw will take place at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball, splitting clubs into four pots based on club and country rankings. Bnei Herzliya sits in Pot 3 alongside BC Juventus Utena and Igokea, guaranteeing intriguing match‑ups against opponents like Unicaja and ALBA BERLIN. The two qualifiers from the qualification rounds will join the direct entrants, meaning Herzliya must avoid a too‑tough pot to stay competitive.
How does it affect Bnei Herzliya?
The club entered a tactical shift after a 81‑83 loss to Hapoel Holon on 2025‑05‑18, and coach Michael Kaplan stresses the need for paint control and quick transition. Coming off a recent form of 3W‑0D‑2L (LLWWW), players such as John Smith and Daniel Cohen are posting high three‑point percentages, while captain Yosef Levi leads in rebounds and steals. Emphasis on pick‑and‑roll drills and strengthening the perimeter defense will help keep the tempo high.
What’s next?
Qualified teams meet from October 6‑10, with the draw streamed live on the BCL YouTube channel. Herzliya is likely to open against a German side from Pot 2, testing three key areas: interior scoring, rebounding dominance, and perimeter defense. Maintaining a field‑goal percentage above 45% and limiting turnover spikes could lock the team into a top‑two group finish and a playoff berth.
The club is also eyeing a mid‑season interior addition, though details remain under wraps. The new campaign offers ample minutes for young talent like Tomer Rosen, who could prove his worth on the court. With a solid base and a recent run of 3 wins, Bnei Herzliya is poised to surprise and re‑enter the European conversation.