Papi Turgeman is coming home. ONE reports that Hapoel Jerusalem has appointed the former point guard as a club ambassador, formalising a role for a man widely regarded as one of the two or three most significant figures in the club's history.
According to the report, Turgeman's brief will be to strengthen ties between the club and its fans, the wider Jerusalem community and sponsors — the kind of behind-the-scenes relationship-building that clubs increasingly lean on their legends to do.
"I am excited and very happy to return home, to the club that was such a meaningful part of my life," Turgeman said, according to ONE.
Hapoel Jerusalem CEO Oren Arieli was quoted calling the appointment a natural one: "Papi is much more than a former player — he is part of our history and DNA."
Turgeman, full name Shalom "Papi" Turgeman, made his senior debut for Hapoel Jerusalem in 1990 and went on to spend roughly a decade at the club, establishing himself as its floor general and eventually captain. He was central to the team that won back-to-back Israeli State Cups in 1996 and 1997.
He also captained the Israeli national team, winning 57 caps, and led the Israel Basketball Premier League in assists in the 1994-95 season — a reflection of the playmaking instincts that made him a fan favourite through the decade.
The move plugs a well-worn Israeli sports tradition of clubs formalising ties with their most beloved former players, giving Hapoel Jerusalem a recognisable face for its fan and sponsor outreach as the club heads into a new season.
