Hapoel Jerusalem’s Halperin hangs up his sneakers
One of the most illustrious careers in Israeli basketball came to an end on Tuesday as Yotam Halperin announced his retirement.
The 34-year-old former captain of the Israeli national team and Hapoel Jerusalem is considered one of the greatest talents that Israel has produced. Playing for the past five years with Jerusalem, he also played for Olympiakos, Bayern Munich, Olimpija Ljubljana and Maccabi Tel Aviv, racking up two Euroleague titles, seven BSL league titles and four Cup trophies.
But the numbers don’t fully tell the tale of the significance of the contribution and leadership Halperin brought to each of the teams he played for over a 17-year professional career.
Halperin was emotional at his press conference at the Jerusalem Arena.
“Twenty-six years ago, I began doing something that I thought would be my hobby of life, and suddenly today, when I am 34-and-a-half, I think how lucky I was that my parents listened to a third-grade child who just wanted to play basketball... I can say with all my heart that I would not change a moment of this journey.”
Halperin will not totally step away from the game, and will immediately take on the role of Sports Manager of Hapoel Jerusalem.
“Thanks to all my friends on all my teams and to all the coaches who pushed and believed in me... The years flew by, when I got to Hapoel Jerusalem, [club chairman] Guy Harel told me, `Come on, we’ll build something big.’ I thought ‘what does this madman want from me?’ And then it happened; the past five years really changed me… It’s important to me that it be clear that I wanted to continue playing a little more. But unfortunately the injuries I have been dealing with for some time did not allow this.”
Hapoel owner Eyal Chomsky said, “I almost feel like crying, but I’ll hold back. I can talk about Yotam as a legend on and off the court. His continued contribution will help Hapoel Jerusalem grow in the coming years.”
Halperin was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.
“I’m not a person who is used to accepting such feelings of love. This is not a sad day for me, but a great day. I’m glad and happy, so thank everyone for coming today. I had the honor of each of you being a part of something that touched me over the years. Yalla Hapoel!”