RAS Maccabi Brussels


Royale Association Sportive Maccabi Brussels, founded in 1945, is a multi-sports club based in Brussels, Belgium with basketball, football, table tennis, volleyball teams.

History

The Maccabi Brussels association was founded on November 1, 1945. It was originally established on January 31, 1933, but had to be restarted after some board members disappeared during World War II. In 1999, for reaching its 5th decade, it received Royal status from the Belgian federation.

Basketball

Founded in 1949 by a group of young Brussels residents, Maccabi’s basketball team rose to Belgian Division 1 in 1983. The club won two Belgian Cups and finished second in the league in 1985–86. Strong financial backing in the early 1980s helped attract coach John Van Crombruggen and key players like Cherokee Rhone, leading to notable successes including reaching European cup competitions.
In 1984, the club moved to the Palais du Midi. However, management problems in the late 1980s caused a crisis. In 1990, the club narrowly avoided losing its registration thanks to intervention by the Jewish community and regional authorities. A new committee took over and renamed it BC Maccabi.
In 1991, the club became Basket Brussels to attract broader support beyond the Jewish community. Financial troubles continued, culminating in liquidation before the 2002/03 season. Youth players then joined Royal Basket Club Bruxellois.

Names

  • 1976-1983: R.A.S Maccabi Etterbeek
  • 1983-1984 : R.A.S. Assumar Maccabi Etterbeek
  • 1984-1986 : R.A.S. Maccabi Panasonic Brussel
  • 1986-1987 : R.A.S. Orgaburo Maccabi Brussel
  • 1987-1988 : R.A.S Maccabi Etterbeek
  • 1988-1992 : R.A.S. Maccabi Brussel
  • 1992-1996 : Basket Brussels
  • 1996-1997 : Belgacom Brussels
  • 1997-2002 : Atomics Brussels

Honours and achievements

Belgian LeagueRunners-up : 1985-86
Belgian CupWinners : 1984, 1988, 1995
  • Runners-up : 1983, 1989
  • Second division:
  • *Winners : 1982-83

European participations

The club has competed for 9 seasons in European competitions organized by FIBA Europe from 1983 until 1999.

Notable players

Football

The Maccabi football section was created in 1953 by Holocaust survivors.