In a major boost for Hapoel Jerusalem fans, star guard Jared Harper has officially signed a new three-year contract with the Israeli basketball club, as announced on April 7, 2025. The 27-year-old American, who was named the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup Most Valuable Player, chose to stay with Hapoel despite interest from several Euroleague clubs.
This is a big day for me, and I’m happy,” Harper said after signing the new deal. “I’m in a great situation, at a huge club led by people who want to take the team to the highest places and are committed to the path that is just beginning. I’m looking forward to the [Israeli League] playoffs and to experiencing the full energy of our fans. When I realized that I had everything I wanted with my team here, I really couldn’t leave. Yalla Hapoel!
Harper’s exceptional season saw him lead the EuroCup in scoring with an impressive 22.8 points per game, while also setting new single-season records for fouls drawn (142), free throws made (174), and free throws attempted (199).
His performance earned him a league-high Performance Index Rating of 27.2 and the MVP of the Round title five times during the 2024-25 regular season—a EuroCup record. Hapoel Jerusalem, a powerhouse in Israeli basketball with a rich history including the 2004 EuroCup title and Israeli Premier League championships in 2015 and 2017, continues to solidify its roster with Harper’s commitment.
This extension ensures the dynamic guard, who previously played for the Auburn Tigers and had a stint with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2021, will remain a cornerstone of the team as they aim for more domestic and European success.