Jordan Farmar said yesterday he is not sure about his future with the New Jersey Nets. Farmar signed with the Nets a year and a half ago after winning two titles with the Los Angeles Lakers in two seasons.

The Jewish American guard, who is about to leave Maccabi Tel Aviv, said the Nets are committed to Deron Williams, who he sees as the future of the team. Farmar says he left the Lakers because he wanted a pivotal role and more minutes. He says he got some of that under coach Avery Johnson, a former guard. However, Farmar says he is not sure he'll stay with the Nets, who are Brooklyn-bound, after this season.

Open gallery view Jordan Farmar Credit: Nir Keidar

Farmar says he will check out the free agent market since he has the right to be released after this season.

Reflecting on his stint with Maccabi, Farmar says he wouldn't trade the experience for any amount of money in the world. He says it was much more than just basketball for him, but rather an opportunity to see the country and experience the importance of the team. He says he also enjoyed being the lead guard and a dominant player, a role he'll seek in the NBA as well.

He says he feels more sadness than anything regarding the end of the lockout. He didn't want to leave now because it is midseason but he adds that he feels he is leaving behind a great team with players who did not get the minutes they deserve but will get a lot more now in his absence.

Gilboa grabs first as Ashkelon slips

Gilboa/Galil leapfrogged into first place last night after edging Bnei Hasharon 84-82 while Ashkelon was upset by upstart Bikaa 93-74. The two teams are tied on points but Gilboa has a better point differential.

Gilboa and Bnei Hasharon played neck-and-neck until the end of the third period. Host Bnei Hasharon led 62-61 in the final minute of the quarter, when Gilboa went on a 12-point run over the next four minutes to take a commanding 73-62 lead. Sharon, paced by Tweety Carter's 26 points, did not cut into the lead until the very end. Chaisson Allen led Gilboa with 25 points.

Bikaa, playing at home, surprised Ashkelon, which until now has played the role of giant slayer, with its lopsided win. The team took a 10-point lead in the first quarter and never looked back as four players scored in double figures.