Former Hapoel Holon Star Mike Carter Dies at 71

Mike Carter, a former Hapoel Holon basketball player whose career in Israel spanned the 1980s and 1990s, died on Saturday at 71. The Israeli Basketball Super League and its clubs expressed sorrow over his death and offered condolences to his family and loved ones. The league's statement recalled that Carter spent almost all his playing career in Israel and maintained close ties to the country and its basketball community after retiring. He returned frequently and welcomed visitors to his home in Las Vegas. The league said: "Condolences to his family and loved ones." Carter first joined Holon for the 1982/83 season after being recruited by coach Arie Maliniak. He averaged 19.4 points per game that season as Holon reached the playoff semifinals, where it faced Maccabi Tel Aviv. Supporters nicknamed him "The Crazy One" for his emotional and energetic playing style. He later played in Kiryat Gat, Netanya, Jerusalem and Ramat Gan before returning to Holon for his final three seasons and retiring in 1995. After his playing career, Carter assisted coach Brad Greenberg with the United States' Maccabiah basketball team, whose players included his sons Ben and Tim. Ben later played for Israeli clubs, including Hapoel Jerusalem and Hapoel Eilat.