Patrick Beverley’s first game with Hapoel Tel Aviv began with a 79-78 preseason win over Hapoel Jerusalem.
The former NBA veteran, who was in the starting five, played 15 minutes, scoring three points and dishing six assists.
However, this is an ongoing adjustment for Beverley, who is returning to European basketball after an 11-year absence following an NBA career that has seen him suit up for the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks.
Johnathan Motley led with 27 points in the win, Ben Bentil had 14, and Joe Ragland added 11. The recent signing of Bruno Caboclo, who stood out for Brazil at the Olympic Games in Paris, was unavailable.
The 36-year-old’s European career was highlighted by his participation in the 2010 EuroLeague Final Four for Olympiacos.
His side lost in the final to Barcelona, which then had Ricky Rubio and Juan Carlos Navarro on their roster.
Beverley’s Hapoel Tel Aviv will be competing in this season’s EuroCup.
