ISR – Casspi makes the most of his big chance

SACRAMENTO (EuroBasket 2011) - There aren’t many people who would have predicted the immediate success of Israel’s first-ever player in the NBA, Omri Casspi.

The 21-year-old, who is getting big minutes with the Sacramento Kings, is ranked second among all NBA rookies with impressive season averages of 13.2 points and 4.7 rebounds.

In four straight games starting with a December 30 clash with the Philadelphia 76ers, Casspi had 21, 23, 22 and 24 points.

The 2.03m forward is also ranked fifth in the league in three-point accuracy at 45.5% (50 for 110).

Remembering that at the start of last season Casspi was fighting for minutes at Maccabi Tel Aviv before the return of Pini Gershon as coach, his NBA debut has been nothing short of incredible.

Casspi was recently a guest on the maccabifans.co.il message board and answered fans' questions.

"Before I moved to the NBA, I thought about the fact I still hadn't won any European title, which could be a huge highlight in my career," he said.

"Actually, if I hadn't won the Israeli league title with Maccabi last year, I surely wouldn't have declared my name for the draft."

At the end of last season, after helping Maccabi win the title, he decided to skip EuroBasket 2009 with the Israeli national team to focus on his new path.

Israel failed to win a game and finished below the 11th spot for only the second time in history.

He has told newly appointed head coach Arik Shivek that he will be with Israel this summer in the qualifying games for EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania.

"The season in the NBA ends before the games in Europe so I'll be able to work both on my game and to be ready for next year and join the national team," Casspi said.

"I will work hard in the summer and be ready for the national team as well.

"I'm very excited about the upcoming campaign and there's not the least bit of a chance I won't be there.”

In 2006, two Israeli players - Yotam Halperin and Lior Eliyahu - were selected in the NBA draft in the second round but never made it to the league.

Halperin is now playing for Greek powerhouse Olympiacos and Eliyahu for Caja Laboral Vitoria in Spain.

Together with Casspi, the national team of Israel appears to have a bright future.

"I believe in the upcoming campaign we will have a great squad, and we'll be able to take on any national team that we'll have to face," Casspi said.

FIBA