It went under our radar but about 9 months ago Gal Mekel announced his retirement from basketball. Now 34 years old, Mekel said “There is a lot of joy, excitement, pride, satisfaction, and gratitude on this day, but also a touch of sadness because I decided to say goodbye to the love of my life – basketball. Ever since my father put the ball in my hand, at the age of three, It was part of my life. I dreamed, and I was disappointed, but I learned and developed. There were moments of happiness, recognition, and glory, but also moments of sadness and frustration.”

Tough Mekel has spent much of his career in Israel and overseas his impact on Jewish basketball is enormous. He is the second Israeli, behind Omri Caspi, to play in the NBA. While his run was short it helped elevate Israelis on the International spotlight. It verified that Caspi was not a one and done but rather Israeli basketball was here to stay and grow.

His NBA career included stints with the Mavs and Pelicans but internationally is where he shined. Playing for Maccabi TA at 14 he went on to play Italy with Benetton Treviso and Reggiana, in Russia with Nizhny Novgorod and Zenit, and in Spain as a member of Gran Canaria, Unicaja and Andora. In Israel he also led the point guard position Hapoel Gilboa Galil and Maccabi Haifa. During his 14 year career, he was an Israeli champion twice (2010, 2013), and won two Israeli Cups (2016, 2017). He was also the two-time MVP of the Israeli League (2011, 2013). His impact cannot be denied.

Mekel continued with the following; “Basketball took me around the world. I love and appreciate every moment of my career. Every title, every victory, every assist, every loss, every practice, and even every injury. I accomplished everything that I dreamed of. I will continue to enjoy basketball from the comfort of my home and maybe even work with players who want to go on the same amazing path. Right now I feel that I can’t give this game what it deserves and that’s all I have. This is the right moment to stop and say thank you”.

Yasher Koach on impactful career. Yalla!