History will be made in the Sacramento Kings 2009-10 NBA season opener on October 28, 2009 when Omri Casspi steps onto the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 21-year-old Kings rookie forward will become the first Israeli to play in the NBA.
Watching NBA Early In The Morning
A young Casspi - born on June 22, 1988 in Holon - grew up in Israel waking up early in the morning to watch live NBA games featuring Michael Jordan in the 1990s.
National Team And Maccabi
Casspi - a 6-foot-9 forward - guided Israeli giants Maccabi Tel Aviv to the domestic league title last season and in 2006. He also helped Maccabi to the 2006 and 2008 Euroleague championship game. Casspi also has played for the Israeli senior national team since 2008.
Withdrew From 2008 NBA Draft
The ambitious forward registered for the NBA Draft in 2008 but withdrew his name when he could not receive a guarantee that he would be selected in the first round.
First Round Draft Pick
Casspi made history in June 2009 when the Sacramento Kings selected him with the 23rd pick in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft, becoming the first ever Israeli to be drafted in the first round.
Past Israelis Near NBA Debuts
The first Israeli to play in the NBA nearly came in 1999 when Oded Katash signed a two-year contract with the New York Knicks before losing patience and hope during the player lockout of that season and moving back to Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Doron Sheffer was selected with the 36th pick in the 1996 draft by the Los Angels Clippers, but never received a contract by the team. Lior Eliyahu and Yotam Halperin were chosen 44th and 53rd respectively in 2006 but have yet to reach the NBA.
Solid Pre-Season
Casspi initially struggled with his adjustment to the United States but performed well during the pre-season for the Kings, finishing as the ninth leading scorer among rookies with 11.7 points per game. He also shot 55 percent from the field and 52 percent from three-point range.
Family In Sacramento
Casspi made sure he had help for his adjustment to the U.S. as he brought his 25-year-old brother, Eitan, with him to Sacramento so that he always has family around if he needs it.
Jewish Excitement About Casspi
Casspi has sprouted plenty of excitement in Jewish communities in the U.S. with Kings fans wearing jerseys with Casspi's name spelled in Hebrew. In addition, the New York Knicks have already designated the Kings' game in New York in February as Jewish Heritage Night.
Israelis Staying Up Late
Israeli basketball fans will be staying up late or getting up early on Thursday to watch Casspi's debut as the Sacramento game will be broadcast live in Israel starting at 2 a.m. local time.
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