Israel's EuroBasket 2025 Roster Unveiled: Avdija Leads Charge, Tj Leaf Makes Historic Debut

Israel’s EuroBasket 2025 Squad: A Nation’s Hope on Paper

The list is out. The final roster for Israel at EuroBasket 2025 has been confirmed — and let me tell you, it reads like a highlight reel from a mid-tier NBA rotation with roots in Tel Aviv and Haifa.

Deni Avdija leads the charge once again as the undisputed centerpiece. At 24, he’s not just the best Israeli player on the planet — he’s one of the few with actual playoff experience (Raptors’ 2023 run). His defensive versatility and pick-and-roll IQ make him an anchor both on offense and in transition.

But here’s where things get spicy:

T.J. Leaf, that lanky power forward from Indiana? He’s finally joining Team Israel after years of eligibility debates and overseas stints. This isn’t just any debut — it’s his first time wearing blue and white for a major tournament. For him, this is redemption after missing out on Olympic qualifying.

“It feels like coming home,” said Leaf in his press conference. “Not just culturally — but emotionally.” I’ll believe it when he hits that baseline jumper against Germany.

Roster Breakdown: Depth Over Flash?

Let me be blunt: this isn’t about star power alone. It’s about structure. Here’s what jumps off the page:

• Yam Madar (18.7 PPG last season) – The true point guard maestro who runs the show even without Avdija on court.
• Oz Blayzer – Veteran guard with clutch moments against Spain in last year’s qualifiers.
• Rafi Menco & Bar Timor – Two young wings with upside but still learning how to play under pressure.
• Gur Lavi & Ben Saraf – Pure shooters who can stretch defenses when needed.

And don’t sleep on Noam Yaacov, whose rim protection (1.6 BPG) quietly saved them in crunch time during FIBA qualifiers.

This team doesn’t rely solely on talent — they rely on cohesion built through years of playing together across leagues like the Turkish Super League and Greek Basket League.

Why This Matters: Beyond Just Basketball

Let me take a step back as someone raised near Chicago’s South Side — where basketball isn’t just sport; it’s identity.

For Israel, EuroBasket isn’t just another tournament. It’s national pride wrapped in jersey numbers and buzzer-beaters.

They’ve qualified for three straight editions now (a feat never matched before). And while they’re still outside medal contention based on seeding… don’t underestimate what momentum looks like when you have players like Avdija averaging 19 points/7 rebounds/4 assists since turning pro at age 19.

Also worth noting: Their win-loss record versus top-tier teams improved by +18% over last cycle thanks to better shot selection (per Synergy Sports tracking). That tells you something about coaching evolution under Tal Burstein — especially with advanced analytics tools now embedded into their practice routines.

The Watchlist: Who Could Break Out?

Spoiler alert: I’ve already made my money betting on Nimrod Levi to log more minutes than anyone expected. At 6’9”, he brings elite athleticism offensively but struggles defensively vs size at times—yet that raw energy? Priceless against slower European frontcourts.

Then there’s Idan Zalmansson, former G-league standout playing his first full campaign abroad after returning from Denmark last summer. His three-point percentage climbed to 38% post-trade — up from league-average levels earlier in his career.

If either lights up early… watch out for those odds shifting fast at bookmakers near Tel Aviv casinos (just kidding… mostly).

Ultimately? This roster proves one thing: The future of Israeli basketball isn’t flashy—it’s calculated, consistent, and quietly terrifying when aligned properly.