Zeljko Obradovic, Hapoel Jerusalem’s Priority for EuroLeague Ambitions?
EuroCup - Zeljko Obradovic could return to coaching as early as summer 2026. According to Walla Sport, Hapoel Jerusalem has made the Serbian coach their top priority to take the next step and target the EuroLeague.
Photo Credit : Julie Dumélié
After his surprising departure from Partizan Belgrade last November, Zeljko Obradovic may not be done just yet. According to Walla Sport, Hapoel Jerusalem has shown interest, putting the nine-time EuroLeague champion coach right back at the center of offseason buzz.
If anything materializes, it could ripple across the European landscape — the kind of move that doesn’t just fill a bench, but shifts the balance of power.
Hapoel Jerusalem, EuroLeague’de yer almak istiyor ve yaz transfer döneminde takımın başına Željko Obradović’i getirmeye çalışacak.
(Walla Sport) pic.twitter.com/ign0zk5eNJ
— Euroleague Time (@euroleague_time) February 19, 2026
Asked about it by the same outlet, Obradovic kept things measured: he’s not planning any return to the sidelines before June. That doesn’t close any doors for the offseason, especially with current head coach Yonatan Alon’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Clear EuroLeague Ambitions
The situation says a lot about Hapoel Jerusalem’s ambitions. Currently competing in EuroCup, the Israeli club just finished atop Group A and is clearly operating with bigger goals in mind.
Backed by strong financial resources and a roster that stacks up well against most of the competition, Hapoel Jerusalem isn’t hiding its intent: reach the EuroLeague by the 2026–27 season.
There are two paths to get there. The first is straightforward — follow Hapoel Tel Aviv’s model and win the EuroCup this season. The second is more political: secure an invitation from EuroLeague leadership. That scenario isn’t far-fetched, especially with ongoing discussions about expanding the competition to 24 teams as early as this summer. In that landscape, Hapoel Jerusalem is firmly in the mix.
A European Coaching Legend
A true reference point in European basketball, Zeljko Obradovic remains the most decorated coach in EuroLeague history. He’s won the competition nine times — including five with Panathinaikos Athens — with his most recent title coming in 2017 with Fenerbahçe.
Since leaving Partizan, his next move has remained wide open. But if Hapoel Jerusalem were to land a coach of that caliber, it would send a clear signal across Europe — this is a club aiming to move up a tier, and fast.
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