In 1999, [Pini Gershon], who had since reached the most coveted position for an Israeli coach - head coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv - came calling. Gershon brought Blatt to [Maccabi Hadera] to work alongside him as his top assistant, with the idea that Blatt would one day take over at Maccabi.

6 photos; [Nate Huffman] makes a slam dunk. After leaving Maccabi Tel Aviv, Huffman made it to the NBA where he played with the Toronto Raptors before his contract was terminated last January. [David Blatt] gives Quincy Lewis a few pointers. Lewis has left the team and is hoping to find a spot in the NBA next year.The many moods of David Blatt. A brief relapse? According to Blatt, Maccabi management has indicated he will fill the top seat upon Gershon's second retirement and possibly assume a management post after that.Pini Gershon. Time will tell if Maccabi's black players will forgive Gershon for the racist comments that led to his dismissal two years ago.Former Maccabi player [Arriel McDonald] gives Blatt a handshake before returning to the court. In losing six top players in the summer of 2002, Blatt was forced to build an entirely new core team.