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Israeli Basketball Player Deni Avdija Drafted to the NBA

Israeli-Serbian basketball player Deni Avdija was selected by the Washington Wizards, 9th overall in the NBA draft on Wednesday night, making him the first Israeli to be drafted in the top ten in NBA history.

"Israel is a small country and I am proud to represent it, it's something amazing. I'm excited and looking forward to taking my game to the next level and seeing what happens,” said Avdija after the draft.

He added, "I love my family, friends and fans. I will make you proud."

Avdija, 19, has played for Maccabi Tel Aviv of the Israeli Basketball Premier League and the EuroLeague.

Avdija, the son of basketball player Zufer Avdija, joined Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2013 and excelled as a youth player. He debuted for their senior team in 2017, at age 16, becoming the youngest in club history. Two years later, he became the youngest player to ever win the Israeli League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and led his team to the Israeli League championship. (INN / VFI News)