Derek Ogbeide Signed In Hapoel!
"determined to integrate quickly into the team, I’ve heard a lot about our fans"
03/11/2024
| 09:00
| Welcome
Hapoel "Bank Yahav" Jerusalem is pleased to announce the signing of Center Derek Ogbeide (27, 2.06m) until the end of the season.
Ogbeide, born in Nigeria and holding American citizenship, is a graduate of the University of Georgia. He began this season with Olimpia Ljubljana. Early in his European career, he had a brief stint with Hapoel Eilat and also played for PAOK Thessaloniki. In 2021, he signed with Konyaspor in the Turkish League, where he posted impressive averages of 13.7 points, 8 rebounds, and a block per game. He then had two excellent years in Italy, with Rimini (15.5 points, 8.8 rebounds) and with Pistoia (11 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.1 blocks).
I’m excited to join Hapoel,” Ogbeide said after signing. “There’s a solid foundation here that’s gaining momentum, and I’m determined to integrate quickly into the team and contribute wherever and however the coach needs me. I bring a lot of athleticism to the table, rebounding and I love to bring a high pace and high energy. I’ve also heard a lot about our fans and can’t wait to meet them and wear the red jersey for them. Yalla Hapoel!
Coach Yonatan Alon added: “Since Austin and Justin’s injuries, we’ve been looking for players to help cover this gap. Gabi has been doing an amazing job, but this short roster can’t handle the demands and challenges we face. Derek will join us, bringing toughness and energy; he’s coming in hungry and with plenty of motivation. We’ll take the time to integrate him into the team and the system so he can contribute as much as possible.”
