Maccabi Tel Aviv signed John DiBartolomeo for two more years

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv signed John DiBartolomeo for two more years. The 32-years-old Guard, who was named team captain in 2017, is currently playing in his sixth season with the team. During his time with the Yellow-and-Blue, John-D became one of the most beloved players in Yad Eliyahu, proved his worth as a Maccabist time and time again and improved his game.

“It’s hard to express how happy I am to be continuing with Maccabi”, said DiBartomoleo, “This club and this country have become my home and I can’t imagine being anywhere else. Six years ago, when I came to Maccabi I never thought it would take me where I am now. It’s all thanks to this club, it’s management, coaches, teammates, and of course the fans who have believed and supported me the entire time”.

“After all these years I’m still blown away by the love I receive from everyone and I’m proud and grateful that it’s only continued to grow”, continued Maccabi’s captain, who got married in Israel this week and celebrates his birthday today, “It’s been an absolute privilege to be here and I couldn’t be more excited for our future. Yalla Maccabi!”

Coach Oded Kattash was enthused about John-D’s extension: “I am biased about John. Since I worked with him in the National Team or watching him from the sideline, I think he is an enormous asset for Maccabi. He is our captain, he is a leader and what he brings to the court is truly incredible. I’ve coached many players and he is one of the players I enjoy coaching the most. He always thinks about what’s best for the team, he lacks ego. John has had an amazing career and I think this is big for him and just as big for Maccabi Tel Aviv”.

DiBartolomeo is one of only three Maccabi players who took part in all 39 EuroLeague games this past season. He led the competition with 98.2% from the free throw line, made three-pointers at a 41.7% clip and delivered 6.2 points per game, while providing great defence and lots of energies. In the Israeli league, John-D ranked fourth in plus/minus, scored 8.2 points per game, dished 2.4 assists and had one steal per contest.

John joined Maccabi in 2017 from Maccabi Haifa, where he was crowned league MVP in the 2016/17 season. During his first season in Yad Eliyahu, he was named team captain. Since then, he was named to the Israeli league team of the year, chosen as Israeli Final Four MVP – while hoisting the championship trophy five times, the Israeli cup once and the Winner’s cup four times.

The energetic team captain, who recently completed his sixth season with the team, will stay yellow: "I can't imagine myself anywhere else". Coach Kattash: "He's an enormous asset for Maccabi"