Israeli star guard set to play for Shockers

Gal Mekel, the captain of the 18-and-under national team in Israel, opts for college ball in the U.S. over a shot at playing professionally at home.
BY PAUL SUELLENTROP
The Wichita Eagle

Former Shocker Nick Rogers got his first look at future Shocker Gal Mekel when he watched the Israeli guard throw a between-the-legs bounce pass to a cutting Kyle Wilson for a layup.
"He did a lot of that," Rogers said, remembering a pickup game in June at Koch Arena. "He completed most of them. He's a pass-first player."
Mekel (6-foot-3, 195 pounds) said Friday he will attend Wichita State. He is regarded as one of the top talents in Europe and will captain Israel's 18-and-under team later this month in the European championships. WSU coach Mark Turgeon cannot comment on Mekel's commitment until he receives a signed financial aid agreement.
Mekel visited WSU and Providence in June and also had an offer to play professionally for Maccabi Tel Aviv in his hometown. He eliminated Providence last week and decided playing time at Maccabi might be limited.
"We think the best way for me to develop is in college basketball," Mekel said. "I really connected right away with (coaches) Mark and Scott (Spinelli)." He also connected with the university and city. He's a little nervous about moving a 19-hour flight from home, but he feels good about Wichita.
"To leave the family, it will be very tough for me," he said. "But you have to sacrifice things to make your dream and develop. I need to do this. If all the people in Wichita take care of me and welcome me, it will be easy to leave home."
Mekel visited Wichita with his father, Alon, and both liked the city and his future teammates. They believe it's the best atmosphere for Mekel to develop his skills. "He is very, very focused and very, very hard working," Alon Mekel said. "Wichita and Providence are two totally different places. Gal liked the way of life. Wichita is more quiet."
Rogers, a senior on last season's WSU team, said Shocker fans will enjoy Mekel. He describes him as similar to NBA star Steve Nash, while also hesitating to start the hype on Mekel after watching a few pickup games. Nash or not, Rogers said Mekel is talented, smart and confident. He dribbles well, loves to pass and does it all on offense. Rogers was so enthralled by his ball skills, he didn't pay much attention to Mekel's defense.
Turgeon might tone down Mekel's flashy passes, but Rogers said the passes usually work.
"He likes to have the ball in his hands," Rogers said. "He's unselfish. He won't be the quickest guard we have, but he always found a way to get his shot off. He always found a way to get all the way to the basket."
Mekel wants his college experience to prepare him to become the first Israeli in the NBA. Or it could prepare him for a return to Israel and a contract with Maccabi.
It wouldn't be unusual for a European player to spend a season or two in the NCAA, then return home to play professionally. WSU dipped into the foreign pool in 2001, when it signed center Sasha Mijajlovic, a Yugoslavian from Hutchinson Community College. Mijajlovic returned home during the summer and never played for WSU.
Mekel said he has no plans for how long his stay at WSU might last. "I don't want to look far from this point of time," he said. "I want to get better."
Mekel said playing basketball at an American university will allow him to delay the military service required of Israelis after the age of 18.
Mekel attracted a lot of attention with his play in the Albert Schweitzer under-18 tournament in Germany this spring. He scored 31 points with five assists (and eight turnovers) against Spain and 29 points with six assists against the United States. He averaged 17.2 points in the tournament. He will play for the Israeli team in the European championships beginning July 18 in Greece. He said he has been invited to the Adidas SuperStar Camp in Berlin in August, then plans to come to Wichita.
Mekel cannot sign a letter of intent because the NCAA signing period is over. Mekel's commitment reserves WSU's 13th and final scholarship.