Jaylen Hoard, dominant in Game 1 of finals, will he team up with Collin Malcolm at Maccabi Tel Aviv?

Jaylen Hoard (6’8″, 26) proved decisive for Maccabi Tel Aviv in Game 1 of the Winner League finals against Hapoel Jerusalem. While he had been courted by AS Monaco this season, the French power forward is reportedly close to extending his stay in Israel, according to journalist Arel Ginsber.

Jaylen Hoard, key to Maccabi’s success in Game 1

Led by a complete performance from Jaylen Hoard (18 points on 7/9 shooting and 9 rebounds for a 25 efficiency rating), Maccabi Tel Aviv took the advantage in the Israeli championship final series against Hapoel Jerusalem (91-88). An intense and close game that saw the French international’s teammates take control in the second half, thanks notably to more aggressive defense and exceptional free throw shooting (28/29).

Jaylen Hoard. Say no more 😤😤@JaylenHoard pic.twitter.com/f2KJoyn9yZ

— Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱‎ (@MaccabiTLVBC) June 9, 2025

This victory gives Maccabi a 1-0 lead in the series and brings them closer to a third consecutive Winner League title.

Toward an extension for Jaylen Hoard

Rumored to be targeted by AS Monaco during the season, Jaylen Hoard seems to have decided to commit long-term to the Israeli club. According to Arel Ginsber, a well-informed local basketball journalist, the power forward/center who played at France’s National Institute of Sport (in 2015-2016) is close to reaching an agreement for a two-year guaranteed extension with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

« I can confirm that Jaylen Hoard is close to an extension with Maccabi Tel Aviv! After a very impressive EuroLeague season, he should sign for two additional guaranteed years, » he writes on X (formerly Twitter).

🚨🚨I can confirm that Jaylen Hoard is nearing a contract extension with Maccabi Tel Aviv!

After a super impressive EuroLeague debut season, Hoard is close to signing a new deal with the Israeli club for two more guaranteed years! pic.twitter.com/nAZ0YtsZRT pic.twitter.com/igg1ag4ptn

— Arel Ginsber (@ArelGinsber8) June 8, 2025

Collin Malcolm also targeted by Maccabi

According to Arel Ginsber, Maccabi is also interested in another player with French league experience: Collin Malcolm. The Paris Basketball forward, winner of the Leaders Cup and EuroCup in 2024, then the French Cup in 2025, was hampered by injury during the Betclic ELITE playoffs, which he didn’t play beyond Game 2 against Dijon.

Having arrived in Paris in summer 2023 after stints in Finland, Cyprus, and Germany (where he won the Champions League with Bonn in 2023), the American averaged 10.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in the French league this season. In EuroLeague, he posted 7.7 points and 2.5 rebounds in 33 games.

🚨🚨I can tell that Maccabi Tel Aviv is targeting Collin Malcolm for next season!

The Israeli club is highly interested in the forward and plans to make him an offer soon.
Also – Gur Lavy, the Israeli League’s MIP this year, has agreed to a 3 year deal with the club pic.twitter.com/iKvsvOQnZH pic.twitter.com/QFohQfjWES

— Arel Ginsber (@ArelGinsber8) June 9, 2025

A busy offseason ahead

If signed, Jaylen Hoard and Collin Malcolm could play together for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 2025-2026 season. A promising French-American combination in a roster seeking stability and results on the European stage, after a difficult EuroLeague season (16th place).