Basketball: Excited to be back in Europe- Ben Bentil after joining Hapoel Tel-Aviv

Ghana’s Ben Bentil is excited to be back and set to compete in the European basketball circuit after signing a deal with Israeli Pro League side Hapoel Tel-Aviv.

The well-traveled Small Forward joins Hapoel after spending last season competing in the Japanese League with Gunma Crane Thunders.

In 50 games with Gunma, the 29 year old Sekondi native averaged 17 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists. He moved to Japan after a stint with Red Star Belgrade.

Speaking in an interview with his alma mater Providence College, he spoke about the latest chapter in his career after playing for teams in France, Italy, Spain and Greece.

“I just signed to play in Tel-Aviv, Hapoel Tel-Aviv. We got a really good team so I’m excited to be back. Previously, I played in Japan and Tokyo is unbelievable so I’m back in Europe, missed Europe so I’m back.”

Bentil has won the Italia Serie A with Olimpia Milano and the Greek Pro A title twice with Panathinaikos after starring for fellow Greek side Peristeri.

The 6 foot 7 inch Forward became the first Ghana born player to be drafted into the NBA after the Boston Celtics drafted him 51^st overall in the 2016 NBA Draft.