MACS' Season in Review

As the clocked ticked off the final seconds, time seemed to be suspended. With a whistle blow, it was all over. The basketball season for the Yeshiva University Macs came to end and with it all of the hopes, dreams, and aspirations faded as the team stood on the court for the last time this season. In contention to be invited to ECAC tournament for the second year in a row, what would have been an unprecedented feat, the Macs fought furiously to give themselves and their fans one last hope of advancing. Ending with a 15-8 record the Macs fell just short of being invited to the tournament. No matter how one looks at it, the ‘97-’98 basketball season was a success.

This season, in the immortal words of Stan Watson, the YU Assistant Athletic Director, marked "The end of an era." With the graduation of a great part of the current team, feelings were running high as many players realized that with the end of the season came the end of their college basketball careers. Their contributions to the team, some for many seasons, extend beyond the points scored in the games or the smiles that they have brought to the faces of many cheering fans. In perhaps their most important contribution to the team in all of their years on it, the veterans served as guides. They acted as role models, as molds for the younger less experienced players. They helped them adjust not only to the style of college play that exists on the court, but to the mental and physical tolls that playing consistent ball while staying afloat academically in a dual curriculum environment creates. This guidance allowed the younger players to manage the stress that goes along with playing in pressure situations while performing well academically.

This season was not wholly good. It was marked by record lows in attendance and fan support for the Macs who at times had more fans of the opposing teams present at home games than of their own YU crowd.

1997-1998 Macs

In a moment of extreme emotion, Mac’s Center Joel Jacobson capped his all-star career scoring his 1000th point. Joel came well-equipped with everything an all-star player needs; his threat from the outside was exemplified by the havoc he created in the paint area, never overshadowing his ability to run the floor quicker than most big men. A staple of the Macs for the past few seasons, Joel’s talent on the floor and his leadership off the court will be missed greatly. Look for Joel to make an impact as he heads to play in Israel next year.

Shooting Guard/Forward Alon Zaibert, Co-Captain, another cornerstone of the Macs let his game do most of the talking. A key player down the stretch, Alon allowed the Macs to effectively move the ball drawing defenders and creating plays where there seemed to be none. Making key shots down the stretch, he kept the Macs in crucial games, once again proving just how much this team will miss him come next season.

Guard/Forward Brian Wein, arguably one of the best athletes this team has ever seen, possessing the rawest talent a player can. Sparking the team with monstrous dunks and razzle-dazzle in the paint, Brian’s attitude, which served to fire up the team along with his unmatchable talent, will be terribly missed.

Guard Marc Nadritch is one of the few athletes that can be called an all-around team player. Running the floor and creating plays, Marc allowed others to take the glory for his work. He quietly controlled the tempo of the game calling many plays and allowing the big men to convert. Look for Marc to step up big next season in the absence of the passing veterans.

Guard Steve Martinek, an unselfish freshman, came on strong in the second half of the year. After being taken off the bench and given a job in the starting rotation, Steve showed his capabilities. His range, depth, and skills are just what the team is looking for as it attempts to make the transition from one era to the next. Look for Steve to become a very important fixture of the Macs in the future.

Forward David Neiss, one of the team’s silent leaders, proved to be an incredible asset to the team. Coming off the bench for the better part of the season, David ripped rebounds everywhere, gathered up loose balls, and forced turnovers everywhere he went. His persistence hustle and stifling defense make him one of the indispensable parts of the team.

Guard Joel Kruger, a solid bench, who took the time to make this season a learning experience. Improving his abundant talent, Joel showed that he is indeed the solid team player that people say he is. Look for Joel to continue forward next season.

Guard Gabi Lakser is one of those few players who is fun to watch. Gabi’s stifling defense combined with his incredible will to win and ability to make things happen will be missed.

Forward Neil Bronstein an all around team oriented player was the first of the seniors to make his exit due to uncontrollable circumstances.

Look for Shane Rabin, Moshe Garmai, Avi Karesh, Jonathan Zadok all to build on this past season as they aspire to become the next generation of Mac stars.

Not to be overshadowed by the players themselves, the people who also deserve credit for the team’s growth and success are the coaches. Coach Jonathan Halpert and his Assistant Coach Evan Goldstein combined to match last year’s unprecedented achievement of 15 wins. Keeping the players in shape and disciplined is not an easy task, yet Coach Halpert who has done just that for the past 26 seasons, seems to do it with ease.

With the end of one era and the beginning of another, the future of the Macs seems uncertain. However, the feeling on campus seems to be that it will indeed be a bright one.