Saint Louis University has bolstered its frontcourt for the future with the addition of transfer forward Alon Michaeli, who spent the 2025-26 season at the University of Colorado. The Israeli native will have three years of eligibility remaining beginning with the 2026-27 season.
Michaeli, whose first name is pronounced “alone” and last name Mah-KAY-lee, brings a compelling blend of international experience, professional seasoning, and proven production to the Billikens. A native of Kfar Saba, Israel, the 6-foot-8 forward appeared in 31 games as a freshman for the Buffaloes, averaging 7.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 40 percent from the field and 72 percent from the free-throw line. He reached double figures 11 times, including a career-high 20-point performance against Providence and an 18-point outing in Colorado’s College Basketball Crown postseason game against Oklahoma.
SLU head coach Josh Schertz highlighted Michaeli’s fit within the program’s system, emphasizing his basketball intelligence and physical tools.
“Alon really fits our prototype in terms of being a high-processing player with a well-rounded skill set and plus positional size,” Schertz said. “He can stretch the floor with his shooting, but also has the tools to be a terrific playmaker due to his ability to drive the ball along with his size and feel. Defensively, Alon brings a great versatility and can absorb a lot of different types of matchups.”
Schertz also noted the maturity Michaeli will bring to the roster.
“Although young in grade, Alon through his basketball and military experiences will bring a high level of maturity and a professional approach to our program,” the coach added.
Michaeli’s path to Division I basketball includes significant time competing against professionals in his home country. In the 2024-25 season, he logged 22 games with Bnei Hertzeliya of the Israeli Basketball Premier League — widely considered the top professional circuit in Israel — shooting 51 percent from the field as a 19-year-old. That opportunity followed a standout 2023-24 campaign with Elitzur Maccabi Netanya in Israel’s Second Division, where he averaged 10.5 points and a team-high 5.1 rebounds over 30 games and earned the league’s Rising Star Award.
On the international stage, Michaeli has been a standout for Israel’s youth national teams. At the 2025 FIBA U20 EuroBasket Championships in Greece, he ranked third in the tournament in scoring at 17.3 points per game and eighth in rebounding at 7.6 boards per contest, delivering three 20-point performances, including 28 points against Poland. He also represented Israel at the 2024 FIBA U20 EuroBasket as well as the U16 and U18 European Championships between 2021 and 2023.
With his combination of floor-spacing ability, playmaking instincts, defensive versatility, and proven track record against high-level competition, Michaeli is expected to provide immediate depth and long-term upside for a Saint Louis program looking to build on its recent momentum under Schertz.
