Orthodox basketball player Ryan Turell has officially signed with Ironi Ness Ziona in the Israeli Basketball Premier League, marking a significant milestone in his professional basketball career.
After being the top scorer in the NCAA during his senior year at Yeshiva University, Turell made history in 2022 by becoming the first Orthodox Jewish player to play in the NBA’s minor G league. He spent two seasons with the Motor City Cruise, affiliated with the Detroit Pistons, where he garnered a strong Orthodox fan base both in Detroit and on the road.
Despite limited playing time in Detroit, Turell’s popularity continued to grow, culminating in a memorable return to New York on Purim last year. Now, he is fulfilling another dream by playing professional basketball in Israel, a goal he has long aspired to achieve.
In a statement released by the team, Turell expressed his excitement about joining Ironi Ness Ziona, stating, “It’s always been a dream of mine to play in Israel, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do it with Ness Ziona. I can’t wait to meet all of the fans, it’s an amazing feeling.”
During his time with the Motor City Cruise, Turell played in 54 games, averaging 14.2 minutes and 4.4 points per game with a strong three-point shooting percentage of .355. His standout performance came in his final game with the team, where he scored 34 points and grabbed six rebounds.
Ironi Ness Ziona, a team based in central Israel, had a mixed performance in the previous season but managed to reach the playoffs, advancing to the quarterfinals. The upcoming 2024-2025 season presents a new opportunity for Turell to showcase his skills in the competitive Israeli league.
Despite his move to Israel, Turell’s father, Brad Turell, affirmed that his son remains committed to his ultimate goal of making it to the NBA. The possibility of a return to the G League or even the NBA is still on the table, as Turell keeps all options open in pursuit of his dream.