Full Breakdown
Hapoel Holon Aims for an Aggressive Identity Ahead of the New Season
By Drooid · · How we work
Season-Opening Outlook from Guard Yair Kravitz
In a media day interview, guard Yair Kravitz described the atmosphere at Hapoel Holon as “positive energy” and said the arrival of head coach Predrag Krunic gave him confidence and a clear leadership role. He noted that intense training, a “scrappy, aggressive” style, and strong fan support will differentiate Holon in the upcoming league and cup competitions.
Background & Context
Holon entered the offseason after a turbulent campaign marked by coaching changes—Danny Franco was replaced by Yoav Shamir—and a roster overhaul following the regional war. The arrival of Bosnian coach Predrag Krunic coincided with an uptick in performance. Although Holon defeated Hapoel Jerusalem twice last season, the club remains financially outmatched by Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, while clubs such as Hapoel Haemek and Ironi Ness Ziona have recently surpassed Holon in budget size.
Key Figures & Groups
- Yair Kravitz – Guard, senior Israeli player.
- Predrag Krunic – Bosnian head coach, fostering an aggressive identity.
- Danny Franco – Former head coach.
- Hapoel Holon fans – Create a “big-game” atmosphere even on the road.
Data & Statistics
- Prior to Krunic’s tenure, Kravitz averaged 6.2 points and 2.4 assists over 15 league games.
- After Krunic took over, his averages rose to 9.5 points and 6.4 assists in the regular season, and 6.6 points with 6 assists in the playoffs.
- The squad includes four Israeli players, which Kravitz believes enhances chemistry.
Official Statements & Responses
Kravitz highlighted the coach’s emphasis on “practical basketball” over flashiness and said the traveling fan base provides a psychological edge that compensates for budget disparities. He framed his short national-team window as an advantage that keeps him in shape.
Coach Krunic stresses disciplined, fast, aggressive play, expecting every roster member to contribute. The staff warned that the upcoming European schedule will involve extensive travel, including a six-hour bus ride from Paris to Schwenningen, requiring adaptation to a more demanding logistical routine.
Why It Matters
Holon’s aggressive, fan-driven style seeks to narrow the gap with wealthier clubs. By leveraging a cohesive core of Israeli players and a high-intensity coach, the team hopes to translate its “scrappy” identity into results in domestic league play and European competition.
What’s Next
The club will open the season with the Winner Cup, followed by a league schedule that includes European fixtures. Holon aims to advance to the later stages of the domestic cup, secure a deeper league run, and achieve a respectable showing in Europe. Kravitz also plans to continue representing Israel in the national team’s pre-Olympic qualification tournament next summer.
