- August 10, 2025
- 12:57 pm
- Israel
27-year-old Ukrainian center Dmitry Skapintsev has left an NBA club and signed a contract with Jerusalem’s “Hapoel.” Biography, statistics, and Ukrainians in Israeli basketball — in the NAnews review.
From the NBA to Jerusalem: a new stage in Dmitry Skapintsev’s career
27-year-old Ukrainian center Dmitry Skapintsev, known for playing for the “Portland Trail Blazers” and G-League teams, has officially become a player for Jerusalem’s “Hapoel”. The transfer was announced on the official pages of the club on social networks and its website — the news attracted interest not only among fans but also in sports circles in Israel and Ukraine.
Skapintsev joined the NBA in 2022 but spent most of his time in farm teams. Last season, he played for the “Rip City Remix”, averaging 10.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
For Israeli basketball, this transfer is a significant boost, as Skapintsev’s experience in the American system can bring the team not only results but also new approaches to the game. Such transfers increase interest in the league and raise the level of competition.
Who is Dmitry Skapintsev
- Date of birth: May 12, 1998
- Place of birth: Cherkasy, Ukraine
- Height: 213 cm
- Position: center / power forward
Career by seasons:
- 2015–2021 — “Cherkaski Mavpy” (Ukraine)
- 2021–2022 — “Kyiv-Basket” (Ukraine)
- 2022 — “Pieno žvaigždės” (Lithuania)
- 2022–2023 — “Westchester Knicks” (G-League, USA)
- 2023 — “New York Knicks” (NBA, debut on December 23, 2023)
- 2024 — “Maine Celtics” (G-League, USA)
- 2025 — “Rip City Remix” (G-League, USA)
- 2025 — “Hapoel” Jerusalem (Israel)
Skapintsev was also part of the Ukrainian national team at EuroBasket 2022, where he played in two group-stage games.
What is known about “Hapoel” Jerusalem
“Hapoel” Jerusalem is one of Israel’s leading basketball clubs, founded in 1943. Multiple-time medalist of the Israeli Championship, six-time Israeli Cup winner, Israeli Super Cup holder, and winner of the FIBA Europe Cup (2004).
Home arena — Pais Arena Jerusalem, with a capacity of over 11,000 spectators. The club’s fans are known for their loyalty, and the atmosphere at games is among the most vibrant in the country.
At “Hapoel,” they expect that Skapintsev’s experience will help strengthen the team’s play under the basket and achieve high results in both national and international tournaments.
A transfer that speaks about more than just sports
This move is important not only in the context of basketball. Today, with rising antisemitism in many countries and a tense international situation, the transfer of a Ukrainian athlete to an Israeli club demonstrates trust and mutual respect between nations.
Ukraine and Israel have long-standing ties at the level of diasporas, culture, and history. Skapintsev’s example shows that even in difficult times it is possible to build bridges — this time through sports.
How Israeli basketball benefits from international transfers
The Israeli league has long been known for its openness to foreign players. Recruiting athletes from Ukraine and Europe strengthens the league’s position and increases its competitiveness on the global stage.
Skapintsev’s transfer is not an isolated case. In recent years, Israeli clubs have increasingly featured athletes from Ukraine, which positively affects the country’s image and deepens cultural ties.
Mutual understanding through sports
In a world where politics and conflicts often divide nations, sports remain one of the few spaces where mutual understanding is preserved. Skapintsev’s example shows that respect and interest in another country’s culture can go hand in hand with professional ambitions.
NAnews — News of Israel has repeatedly reported on cases where sports became a tool of diplomacy. The arrival of Ukrainian athletes in Israel can be seen as a sign that sports cooperation between the countries is developing even amid global challenges.
The situation in Ukrainian basketball and withdrawal from the national team games
According to the Basketball Federation of Ukraine, Skapintsev will not participate in the pre-qualification games for the World Cup. In the first match, the Ukrainian team lost to Switzerland with a score of 64:66.
The decision is related to the need to adapt to the new club and prepare for the season in Israel.
Ukrainians in Israeli basketball
The history of Israeli basketball includes a number of players whose sports careers are linked to Ukraine. One of the most famous is Igor Nesterenko, born in 1990 in Kiliya. He played for several Israeli Premier League clubs, including Maccabi Rishon LeZion, Elitzur Yavne, Ironi Nes Ziona, and Ironi Nahariya.
Another representative is Anton Shoutvin, born in 1989 in Luhansk. His career includes teams such as Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Gilboa Galil, and Maccabi Haifa.
It is also worth mentioning Eugene (Pooh) Jeter, American by origin, who received Ukrainian citizenship. In the 2009–2010 season, he played for Hapoel Jerusalem.
Among the younger players is Bohdan Bliznyuk, born in 1995 in Lutsk. In the 2018–2019 season, he played for Bnei Herzliya.
And finally, Dmitry Skapintsev, the current hero of our article. From 2025, he will play for Hapoel Jerusalem, continuing the tradition of Ukrainian basketball players in Israeli teams.
Conclusion
Dmitry Skapintsev’s transfer to “Hapoel” Jerusalem is significant in sports, cultural, and diplomatic terms. For Israel, it is a reinforcement in the championship, for Ukraine — a reason to be proud of its athlete, and for both countries — yet another confirmation that sports can unite.
NAnews — News of Israel will continue to follow his career.
