Yeshiva Basketball Macs off to Exciting Start

Macs Posting 6-3 Record

The Yeshiva University Macs have impressively battled their way to a winning record of 6-3 thus far this season. They have shown their commitment to winning in whatever ways necessary, whether gracefully, as in their game against John Jay, or in "ugly style," most apparent against Maritime and Brooklyn Colleges. Led by their captain and seasoned veteran David Neiss, the basketball team is proving to the home crowds why they should continue to cheer for the team and make some noise.

The team is coached by long time coach Jonathon Halpert, assisted by Evan Goldstein (also the Lady Mac's women's tennis coach). Coach Halpert also gets moral coaching support from his brother (you know him - the man screaming directions from the bleachers such as: "play like a team!!" or "cover that guy!!").

Lacking the on-court presence of some of last year's members, such as Steve Martinek and Marc Naidrich, as well as transfer student 6'7" Alex Shakhmurov sitting out due to NCAA redshirt rules, other team members are effectively picking up the slack. Thus far the team has picked up exactly where they left off last season, putting a quality product on the floor game in and game out.

Sophomore Dov Weiner, a former high school standout, has taken over as starting point guard in Martinek's absence. Weiner has done a tremendous job thus far with his remarkable court awareness and an ability to penetrate the opposing team's defense with grace. He rarely makes mistakes on the floor, and his presence is sorely missed while he catches his breath on the bench.

Senior guard Joel Kruger plays a leadership role both on and off the court. Kruger is a smart player who has the knack for being in the right place at the right time. Many times the voice of reason on the court in pressure situation, he offers Coach Halpert a veteran sportsman when the game is on the line.

Sophomore guard Nachum Palefski is arguably the most exciting player on the roster. His explosiveness is key in faster paced games, while his ability to finish when driving to the basket is a must in the transition game. Look for Palefski to be amongst the high scorers when the Macs are playing their best

Twenty-four year old sophomore Yossi Gev, the new import straight out of the Israeli Army, offers the small team some size at 6'4". The starting forward adds a large body and an instant scoring ability. His line drive three-point shot can instantly change the face of a game.

Senior captain David Neiss rounds off the starting five. He is the focal point of the Macs thus far this season at the other forward spot. At 6'3", he makes his living in the low post, placing the biscuit in the basket without forgetting to make frequent trips to the foul line. His effectiveness throughout regulation, and especially in key minutes, is frequently the deciding factor as to the outcome of the game.

Other key players for the Macs include Yoni Zadok and Avi Karesh, two experienced guards who pride themselves on their quickness and defense. Do not be shocked to see either cause the opposition to err in key moments. They both have the ability to knock down the occasional jumper, and handle the ball effectively. David Battalion and Steven Hershmann round out the guard position for the Macs.

Adding size to the center position off the bench are Tuvy Meyer and Shane Rabin. Meyer, a sophomore, brings a tree like presence to the middle throughout the game, while Rabin adds a mammoth and intimidating body to the court in key defensive situations.

Former intramural standout Uri Yudewitz presents the opposition with a true three-point threat off the bench. His graceful shot and court awareness should buy him a good deal of playing time throughout the season. Asaf Hod brings a well rounded game to the floor and gives the Macs additional depth at the forward position.

Thus far the Macs have shown the ability to mentally outmatch teams physically bigger and stronger through defense and transition. The Macs effectively spread the floor with their typical 2-1-2 set and their pass-oriented offense. When keeping composed, the Macs are a true force to be reckoned with in the ECAC.

The Macs however, have beaten themselves on a couple of occasions. The team has let themselves lose their composure in certain situations. Against teams that pursue the full court press on defense, they have shown much frustration which has led to their downfall in two of their three losses. In addition, the Macs have been caught worrying about the officiating more than their own play. This was especially apparent in the Maritime home game, when the Macs debatedly lost the game due to three technical fouls called against them.

Overall, the Macs are a quality team that only looks to improve over the course of the season. The team hopes for great success and an ECAC playoff bid. Constantly putting on an exciting show, they look forward to playing in front of progressively larger crowds. Crowd support could prove to be a deciding factor in home games down the stretch of the season.