After last year’s MVP performance, Maccabi Tel Aviv pounced on the Bat Shlomo native and added the young Sabra to its cadre.
When Gur Lavy signed with Maccabi Tel Aviv this past summer after having won the Israeli Player of the Season award with Hapoel Gilboa/Galil, the mild-mannered forward really had no idea about how joining the most decorated club in the country would be different than anything else he had experienced in his young career.
But after having been serenaded by the yellow-and-blue faithful following game-changing performances in the Euroleague win over Bayern Munich, as well as the State Cup semifinal victory over Hapoel Jerusalem, Lavy has become yet another link in the Maccabi Tel Aviv chain of success.
The 24-year-old Lavy began his youth career at Maccabi Zichron Yaakov and then moved to Hapoel Haifa between 2020-2024, while having been loaned out to Kiryat Ata for the 2021/22 season and helped the club from the Karyot earn promotion to the top league from the Leumit.
After last year’s MVP performance, Maccabi Tel Aviv pounced on the Bat Shlomo native and added the young Sabra to its cadre.
Lavy was given very limited minutes in the Euroleague as well as in the top Israeli games, while he began to earn his stripes with the yellow-and-blue against the lower-profile opponents.
As he bided his time, he knew that at some point he would be called upon. When TJ Leaf injured his shoulder (and is now out for the season after surgery), it was clear that Oded Katash would need to turn to Lavy to fill the void and fill it he has and then some.
Gur Lavy finds his footing in Maccabi Tel Aviv spotlight
In the Israeli league game right after Leaf went down, Lavy was dominant, scoring 23 points to go along with seven rebounds while shooting 3-of-3 from deep to help Maccabi overcome Maccabi Raanana by 17 points. That allowed Katash the confidence that Lavy would be able to play a part in the upcoming Euroleague clash against Bayern, and the bench boss was proven correct.
With five massively important points in very limited minutes, Lavy gave Maccabi a boost that aided them in the overtime victory.
From there, Katash inserted him into the State Cup Classico semifinal showdown against Hapoel Jerusalem in the third quarter, when Maccabi had fallen behind by almost double digits, and from there it was history.
Lavy scored and scored some more while playing stifling defense to will the yellow-and blue back into the game. The forward dropped nine points and was sung to as a conquering hero by the fans after the game, to the forward’s delight.
“Wow, it’s the most exciting feeling in the world. I’m just happy we protected our home court, kept the winning streak at home and continued the positive momentum, Lavy told The Jerusalem Post after the continental win.
Lavy was a big part of that victory, hitting a late three-pointer that ignited the crowd.
“It’s crazy. First of all, I was waiting for that moment. Yes, it’s a shame it happened because TJ is injured, but I’m happy I took the opportunity. Of course, when the three went in, the crowd lifted me up together with it, and I’m so happy about it.”
Every game seems like Maccabi is living on the edge, with one close victory after the next, and that is helping educate Lavy.
“First of all, it’s crazy, I’m still learning what it’s like at Maccabi, but the games are close, and the teams are really good. That’s just the competition in the Euroleague, I believe. Playing in overtime is never easy because everyone is tired and playing a lot of minutes. I’m happy we managed to rise to the occasion. It’s not the first time we’ve played overtime, so maybe that experience helped us.”
When the fans jumped to their feet when Lavy entered the game, it wasn’t hard to notice the soft-spoken forward just take it all in and enjoy the moment.
“From the moment I signed here, I’ve been part of the team; it’s not related to whether I play or not. Of course, in the games I didn’t play, I still wanted to contribute. I’m happy that recently, in the last few games, I’ve been able to contribute on the court as well, which makes me happy. I assume it makes the fans happy, too, and I hope I’m contributing positively.”
Katash spoke about how Lavy has progressed this season and even compared a situation he was once in to that of his young player.
“Gur is amazing and exceptional in the way he was able to handle the situation. Because Gur sometimes didn’t get opportunities or minutes, even recently, not because he didn’t deserve it or because he isn’t good, but simply because we’re overloaded with players at that position, and sometimes that happens. But Gur is so positive, so present and really wants to improve; he’s truly an exceptional character, and I’ve coached many players with good character. Gur is exceptional.”
The bench boss continued: “Of course, now the opportunity has opened up, as happened and has happened to many players. I’ll take you 30 years back, it happened to me too. I came in as the second point guard, and Guy Goodes finished the season with an injury. But if you stay positive and focused, that’s what Gur did, and Gur is terrific for us. His minutes were significant, and we also saw that in the league game. It’s special to the extent that it almost couldn’t happen with most players unless they’re truly mentally strong like Gur, and that’s very impressive.”
Lavy shared his thoughts on how he and Katash get along.
“First of all, Oded is an amazing coach. He has a lot of experience at these levels. I learn a lot from him every day, and I’m happy he’s gradually integrating me into the games. I hope to get more opportunities in the future.” Maccabi captain John DiBartolomeo spoke about what Lavy has been able to contribute.
“I’m really happy for Gur. It’s not easy making the transition from a small club in Israel to Maccabi. There’s obviously growing pains, and Gur has handled them tremendously all season. Whether it’s playing in the Euroleague or Israeli competitions, being ready whenever his number is called in both leagues. Herr, he made a lot of plays, and his three-pointer was one of them, but he does a lot of things off the ball. He plays the right way. He’s a good teammate. I think he’s a player that will continue to grow and can be here for a long time.”
Roman Sorkin, who plays in the front court with Lavy, expressed his admiration for the player.
“I think it’s not simple to play like that. To come in and get just a few minutes, it’s not easy. It’s about diving for balls, and he played very well for us today. We saw on video how good he was and how much he gives in his minutes. The way he plays with heart, everyone sees it and is happy. It’s not just because he’s Israeli or because he hasn’t played much; he gives his heart. He fights tooth and nail here for every minute, for everyone and for Israel.”
As for succeeding in reaching their goals in any of the competitions that Lavy and Maccabi are participating in, it is always an uphill battle.
“We’re doing everything we can to get there,” exclaimed Lavy. “We’re only focused on one thing – winning games.”