Ofer Yannay, owner of Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv, has once again publicly criticized the Israeli Basketball Federation, this time following reports regarding Malachi Flynn and his potential future with the Turkey national team.
After news emerged that Turkey is planning to naturalize Flynn, Yannay reacted on X with a blunt message:
“Israeli Federation is still napping.”
Israeli Federation is still napping 😴 https://t.co/BZtcTW2GYF
— Ofer (@OferYannay) January 2, 2026
The remark fits a familiar pattern. Yannay has repeatedly voiced frustration with how the Israeli federation has handled the naturalization process in recent years, often referencing past situations such as Khadeen Carrington. In Yannay’s view, Israel failed to move decisively enough to secure a high-level naturalized player who could elevate the national team.
While criticism surrounds the Israeli side, Turkey appears ready to act. According to Umit Avci, Flynn is expected to become the next naturalized player for the Turkish national team. The report was revealed on the Fast Break show on Sports TV in Turkey on the first day of 2026.
If finalized, Flynn would follow a well-established tradition of naturalized guards representing Turkey, including Bobby Dixon, Scottie Wilbekin, and Shane Larkin, all of whom played major roles for the national team in recent years.
This season in the EuroCup, Flynn is averaging 18.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, while shooting 47.8% from the field, strengthening his case as a high-impact international option.
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