Maccabi Tel Aviv is preparing to kick off its Euroleague season on Thursday night with an away game against ASVEL Villeurbanne in France. The club, led by head coach Oded Katash, has assembled a roster blending returning players with new additions in an effort to progress to the postseason and ultimately reach the Final Four. Among the newcomers is guard Keaton Wallace, who is embarking on his first season outside the United States after spending the past two years within the Atlanta Hawks organization in the NBA.

Speaking ahead of the season opener at Maccabi’s Hadar Yosef Training Center in Tel Aviv, Wallace expressed enthusiasm about joining a team known for its winning tradition. “This is my first time playing in Europe, and I’m excited to be a part of Maccabi Tel Aviv,” he said, referencing the club’s storied history. The guard also noted the energy at a recent open practice held in front of nearly 1,000 fans, describing the atmosphere as impressive and unlike anything he had experienced before.

Given the ongoing security concerns in Israel, Wallace acknowledged discussions with the team’s staff about precautions such as seeking shelter during sirens. Drawing a parallel to tornado drills familiar from his upbringing in the United States, he indicated that both he and his family understand the situation’s seriousness but are comfortable with the measures in place.

Since October 2023, due to regional tensions, Maccabi Tel Aviv has played most of its Euroleague home games at an alternate venue in Belgrade, Serbia. Wallace hopes to experience a true home game environment in Tel Aviv soon, having already gained a glimpse of the passionate fanbase during the open practice.

Wallace spoke positively about working under Katash, emphasizing the coach’s role in his development. He highlighted the guard-oriented style of play, which emphasizes ball handling, pick-and-rolls, and decision-making, areas he is eager to master within the team’s system. He also expressed confidence in Katash’s potential to coach at the NBA level, drawing on his own experience of defying expectations by making it to the NBA against the odds.

Adapting to European basketball, Wallace pointed out differences such as the frequent use of two big men in the lineup, a structure more reminiscent of his college playing days than the NBA. His teammates have been supportive beyond the court as well, helping him navigate life in Tel Aviv by offering advice on local eateries and recreational spots.

Wallace’s basketball journey began at a young age, influenced by his family, including his younger brother Cason Wallace, who is an NBA champion with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The siblings remain close, having shared various stages of their careers together. After going undrafted in 2021, Keaton’s path included time in the G League, which he described as a humbling but valuable experience that pushed him to improve.

He later progressed to the NBA, debuting for Atlanta in October 2024 against his brother’s team. Celebrating Cason’s NBA championship was a proud moment for Wallace, as was achieving personal milestones such as recording a triple-double and signing his first NBA contract.

While open to future opportunities, Wallace’s immediate focus is on his role with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the challenges ahead in the Euroleague. He concluded with a lighthearted observation about local rivalries, noting with a smile that he has learned “we don’t like Hapoel” and, accordingly, refrains from wearing red.