Adi Gordon (Hebrew: עדי גורדון; born March 4, 1966) is an Israeli former professional basketball player. He was a two-time Israeli State Cup winner with Hapoel Jerusalem. He was a four-time Israeli Premier League Assists Leader, in 1992 to 1994, and 1996. Gordon is widely considered one of the greatest point guards in Israeli basketball history.

Adi Gordon
Gordon receives the Israeli State Cup from Pres. Weizman, April 1996
Personal information
Born (1966-03-04) March 4, 1966 (age 58)
Binyamina, Israel
NationalityIsraeli
Listed height1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Career information
Playing career1980–1998
PositionPoint guard
Number9, 10
Career history
1980–1984Maccabi Hadera
1984–1989Maccabi Haifa
1989–1990Hapoel Haifa
1990–1991Hapoel Galil Elyon
1991–1994Hapoel Jerusalem
1994–1995Hapoel Holon
1995–1998Hapoel Jerusalem
Career highlights and awards

Early life

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Gordon was born in Binyamina, Israel. He played tennis, table tennis and football as a child, but ultimately chose basketball and played for Maccabi Hadera youth team as a teen.[1]

Professional career

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Early years (1980–1991)

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Gordon started his professional career with Maccabi Hadera.[1]

In 1984, Gordon joined Maccabi Haifa of the Israeli Premier League under head coach Pini Gershon.[1] In his first game with Maccabi Haifa, Gordon recorded 13 points, including a game-winner shot in a 94–92 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv.[2] On January 12, 1987, Gordon recorded a career-high 37 points in a 108–102 win over Hapoel Gvat.[3]

In 1989, Gordon signed with Hapoel Haifa and one year later joined Hapoel Galil Elyon.[1]

Hapoel Jerusalem (1991–1994)

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Gordon was a four-time Israeli Premier League Assists Leader, in 1992 to 1994, and 1996.

In 1991, Gordon signed with Hapoel Jerusalem. On March 21, 1993, Gordon tied his career-high 37 points, shooting 6-of-10 from 3-point range, along with seven assists in a 95–82 win over Hapoel Eilat.[4]

On April 28, 1994, Gordon recorded 15 points, including a game-winner shot to give Jerusalem an 82–81 playoff win over Hapoel Tel Aviv.[5]

Hapoel Holon (1994–1995)

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In 1994, Gordon parted ways with Jerusalem due to financial struggles and joined Hapoel Holon for one season.[1][6]

Return to Jerusalem (1995–1998)

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In 1995, Gordon returned to Hapoel Jerusalem for a second stint, joining his former head coach Pini Gershon.[1] On April 19, 1996, Gordon scored a game-winner shot to give Jerusalem a 67–65 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv, leading Jerusalem to win the 1996 Israeli State Cup – their first ever title.[7][8]

In 1997, Gordon helped Jerusalem to reach the 1997 FIBA Sporta Cup Quarterfinals, where they eventually lost to Iraklis Thessaloniki. In April 1997, Gordon recorded 32 points in an 89–82 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv, leading Jerusalem to win the 1997 Israeli State Cup title for two years in a row.[1]

In June 1998, Gordon announced his retirement from playing professional basketball.[9]

National team career

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Gordon was a member of the Israel national basketball team. He participated in the 1986 FIBA World Championship and the 1987, 1993 and 1995 EuroBasket tournaments.

On June 23, 1993, during the Eurobasket tournament, Gordon recorded a national team career-high 35 points, scoring eight shots from 3-point range, in a 79–74 win over Greece.[10][11]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g "עדי "ג'ורדן" גורדון – אלוף מזן אחר". jsport.co.il (in Hebrew). March 4, 2017. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  2. ^ "Game 1: M. Haifa Vs M. Tel-Aviv". basket.co.il (in Hebrew). September 10, 1984. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  3. ^ "Game 17: Hapoel Gvat Vs M. Haifa". basket.co.il (in Hebrew). January 12, 1987. Retrieved September 1, 2018.
  4. ^ "Game 18: Hapoel J. Vs Hapoel Eilat". basket.co.il (in Hebrew). March 21, 1993. Retrieved September 1, 2018.
  5. ^ "Semi Final, Game Number 4: Hapoel J. Vs H. Tel Aviv". basket.co.il (in Hebrew). April 28, 1994. Retrieved September 1, 2018.
  6. ^ "כשעדי גורדון העדיף כסף על פני אהבה". haaretz.co.il (in Hebrew). February 12, 2018. Retrieved September 1, 2018.
  7. ^ "עשרת גמרי הגביע הגדולים בהיסטוריה". basket.co.il (in Hebrew). February 15, 2012. Retrieved September 1, 2018.
  8. ^ "היסטוריה ברגע: עדי גורדון נתן גביע לי-ם, צ'יימברס הרס למכבי". sport5.co.il (in Hebrew). November 23, 2012. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  9. ^ "משחק אחר". makorrishon.co.il (in Hebrew). April 18, 2008. Retrieved September 1, 2018.
  10. ^ "Game: Israel vs Greece (Group C)". fiba.com. June 23, 1993. Retrieved August 30, 2018.
  11. ^ "אלוהים, עדי: על ההצגה של עדי גורדון מול יוון ב-1993". walla.co.il (in Hebrew). September 1, 2013. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
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