Shaping the future: Why Maccabi's off-season might be less busy than ever / News - Basketnews.com

Reaching the EuroLeague playoffs for another year was Maccabi Tel Aviv's primary goal. However, the Israeli powerhouse and its loyal fanbase have already done their homework ahead of the next season, which might lead them to bigger heights.

Credit: Seffi Magriso/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Seffi Magriso/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

In this year's EuroLeague playoffs,Maccabi Playtika Tel Avivcame closer than ever to returning to their first Final Four since 2014.

2-pointers this season

55%21,6Points made:21,6Accuracy:55,3%Place in standings:2Record max:28Record min:12Most made 2FGs:Lorenzo BrownTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

With less than five minutes left until the end of Game 5, Jarrell Martin gave his team a three-point (79-76) lead over AS Monaco before Jordan Loyd scored 10 points in just 56 seconds, crushing Maccabi's dreams.

The outcome wasn't the coachOded Kattashand his players expected, with Monaco winning the series 3-2 and qualifying for the main event in Kaunas. That makes it Maccabi's longest drought since the Final Four format was introduced by FIBA in 1988.

The Israeli powerhouse hoped to become the first team in the EuroLeague after 16 series to win Game 5 on the road, but the tradition was upheld this year as well.

The Yellows remain one of the most decorated clubs in Europe, with 6 EuroLeague trophies and 15 appearances in the title game. Still, they're yet to deliver in an all-or-nothing away game in a playoff series, as they count seven losses on as many occasions.

Market targets

Way before the next season sets in, the front office has already started approaching potential market targets.

Sign up for our premium membership and access exclusive content Subscribe