Just before the start of the Eurocup season, Hapoel Jerusalem upgraded its backcourt by signing Eugene "Pooh" Jeter, who arrives from Euroleague side Unicaja. Jeter (179, 25) joined Unicaja on a temporary deal to help that team deal with injuries in its backcourt.
He averaged 5.3 points and 1.7 assists in 15 minutes over three Euroleague games and 7.7 points and 2 assists in 18 minutes over six games in the Spanish League with Unicaja. Last season Jeter recorded 16.3 points, 3.1 assists and 1.7 steals in 32 games in the Spanish League for ViveMenorca. Jeter has past experience in Europe’s second competition. He was among the top 30 performers in the 2007-08 ULEB Cup, leading BC Kyiv to the Last 16 of that competition with averages of 14.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 14 games. Kyiv finished runner-up for both the Ukrainian League and Ukrainian Cup titles that season. Jeter had previously spent four seasons at the University of Portland in the United States and one with Colorado of the NBDL. Jeter is expected in Israel on Saturday and will undergo Jerusalem’s standard medical exams before signing the contract. If all goes as expected, he will make his debut on Tuesday in the club’s Eurocup opener against Siauliai.
"One of our main reasons for signing Pooh is that he is in game shape," Hapoel assistant coach Matan Harush said. "He played until now in Malaga and he comes here in shape. He can blend in with our team in the fastest way possible. Moreover, Pooh is an excellent player, who can contribute plenty. He penetrates well and passes to others and there is no doubt he can help our team. He’s a very energetic player and he will fit in well with our crowd."
