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Sometime during the last couple of weeks the Jazz invited Gal Mekel to camp. He's an Israeli PG who played two years at Wichita State and the last 4 years in the euro leagues. He's 24 and 6' 4".

The Jazz had in him for workouts, and they liked what they saw.

His best year in the euro league was with Hapoel Galil in 2010. He averaged 11 pts, 11 assists and 2 steals a game. Last year he played for Benetton Basket Treviso.

He won't arrive until after camp starts because of delays in Visa issues so he's got an uphill climb to make the roster.

Maybe the Jazz can trade Raja to the Israeli's for Mekel. Don't expect Ricky Rubio. Expect a younger Earl Watson.

He has good size and the prevailing theory is that he'll be better in the NBA game than in international play because of his pick and roll ability... it's too bad he had a visa issue because I would've loved to hear the stories about him throughout camp.

Based on my indepth viewing of one youtube clip Mekel has a better stroke than Watson.

The big question is which PG would he beat out for a spot? Or would the Jazz carry 4 PGs on their 15 man roster?

Gal Mekel is not a player good enough to play in the NBA, he is just not good enough. Don't be fooled by you tube clips, he just not at this level, not to mention he had a disappointing year last season.

I don't know what the Jazz saw that they say they like, but even if he was horrible, I don't expect them to say on any player who is not part of their roster that he was awful because that is no good for anyone.

As much as we want a PG or Raja gone - Mekel is not the answer. I didn't realize how desperate some of us are if we want Mekel on the Jazz roster...

If you want an Israeli point guard who can actually make an NBA roster - Yogev Ohayon is a much better option, though more expensive as well.

Also, Mekel did not play in the Euroleague in 2010, but in either the Eurocup or Eurochallenge, I forget which, and he didn't average 11 assists per game, that has to be a mistake (either that or he played just 1-2 games).

*edited
http://www.eurocupbasketball.com/eurocup/competition/players/showplayer?phasetypecode=RS&gamecode=7&pcode=KJP&gamenumber=1&seasoncode=U2010

Good size for a pg

Okay, here's more information from ESPN on Mekel.


http://tinyurl.com/8ghvnqc

Visa complications with a player from Israel? What about our "special relationship" with them?

KOC should call in a favor with Orrin Hatch. He's a frequent Jazz game attendee and staunch Israel supporter; hell, it's be great PR for his senate campaign.

If you want European League player than take Bo not this guy.

Looks like Gal Mekel can't get to the Jazz training camp.

Fortunately, former Shocker Gal Mekel showed up to make things more interesting. He worked out with Utah Jazz last week and made a strong impression. Visa problems, he said, will keep him from going to the training camp (which started earlier this week), so Mekel will head back to Europe. He played for Italian club Benetton Treviso last year and is looking for a new gig. After a successful three-season run in his native Israel (before his time in Italy), he would prefer to play elsewhere.

http://tinyurl.com/9486usg

Chris Quinn is more interesting anyway....