Before coming to Israel, Chinano Onoako was known among basketball fans mainly because of the “grandmother’s shot” from the penalty line, but he will end the current season as one of the most wanted players in Europe, when in the NBA he is also starting to arouse interest. The 25-year-old chin has previously played in the Houston uniform, but failed to make a mark before touring South Korea and Croatia. Now, after picking up the MVP title of the regular season, he is only two victories away from a historic championship with Bnei Herzliya.
“Onoako came to me in not the best mental state and in his career,” Euroleague agent and former Euroleague legend Pete Michael said in an interview with the sports channel. The career. ” Michael recognized the potential of Onoako and knew what to do: “I knew he was not playing in Europe, but if he tore his ass he would get to the top. I made it clear to him that he would have to work very hard. Since then he has not looked back. He was there.”
Herzliya may not be a shining destination in European basketball, but Michael knew that Onoako could flourish in the conditions the humble club gave him: “We had many offers in Europe, and I immediately chose Herzliya. In one conversation with Oren Aharoni I realized this was the place for him. In Europe the coach is dominant. The players. And I knew straight away that this is the coach I would like to entrust Chinano into his hands. He loves him and listens to him – he is 2.11m and suddenly delivered like a coordinator with 20 years of experience. That’s how the season will go. “
Now it seems that Onoako is ready to take the next step, and Michael is already starting to choose options: “In light of the good season, there are clearly interests – the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors have already made contact during the season. Also teams from the Euroleague, “This information. My vision for Chinano is to move to the Euroleague or the NBA next season, now that the whole basketball world knows it and knows what it’s capable of.”
“We heard that there was an interest from Maccabi Tel Aviv, but no one contacted us,” Michael added. When the season is over, I’ll be on the phone with them. “When I visited the country, I took Onoako to Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Euroleague game against Real Madrid. The fans respected him, sang to him and took pictures with him. It’s a great atmosphere and can be a great environment for him.
And what about a final bet? “Onoako Wiener, and when they need someone to take over, it will be him. He will bring them that title.”
