Cleveland to play in Israel, return for NBL24

Adelaide 36ers shooting guard Antonius Cleveland will play in Israel in the NBL off-season after signing a short-term deal with Hapoel BC Eilat.

Cleveland, who won his second Damian Martin Trophy at The Gazeys on Tuesday night, will fly out next week, following the club's MVP and Hall of Fame night.

However, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year was quick to put 36ers fans' minds at ease by saying he'd be back for NBL24.

“Yeah, I’m back, I’m back in Adelaide, nowhere else but Adelaide,” Cleveland said.

“I back CJ and I believe in him, we going to turn this thing around.

“I’m telling them (opponents), ‘enjoy your time, we didn’t make it but we back next year’ … and tell Damian Martin (six-time DPOY winner) I’m on his arse.”