Hapoel Tel Aviv will have to manage without their key player Bruno Caboclo for several more months, as the Brazilian forward is set to have back surgery. This news comes as a blow to the team, even as they have started their first EuroLeague season with two impressive wins.
🤕 Injury Setback for Caboclo
Bruno Caboclo has been unable to play since the 2025-26 season began due to a back issue. The team has now confirmed that he will need an operation, which will keep him off the court for an extended period. He joins teammate Yam Madar on the injury list, leaving Hapoel without two important players as they compete in Europe’s top basketball league.
🏆 A Key Player in Last Season’s Success
Caboclo was a vital part of Hapoel’s historic run last season. He helped the team, led by coach Dimitris Itoudis, win the BKT EuroCup title, which earned them a spot in the current EuroLeague. In that successful campaign, he contributed significantly, averaging 7.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks across 23 games.
🏀 An Experienced International Star
The 30-year-old has a strong background in international basketball. He recently won a gold medal with the Brazilian national team at the FIBA AmeriCup 2025, where he was named to the All-Star Five. Before joining Hapoel, Caboclo played in the EuroLeague with Partizan Mozzart Bet and had a seven-year career in the NBA with teams like the Raptors, Rockets, Grizzlies, and Kings after being a first-round draft pick in 2014.
💪 Hapoel’s Strong Start Continues
Despite Caboclo’s absence, Hapoel Tel Aviv has shown great form, starting their EuroLeague debut with a perfect 2-0 record. The team will look to continue their winning momentum as they prepare for their next match, an all-Israeli clash against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
