Volume 67, Issue 8

The Institute for Higher Basketball
by Avi Mermelstein

Last summer, in front of near-indifferent crowds of less than 6,000 in Indianapolis and a television audience smaller than LeBron James’s, US Basketball learned several lessons the hard way.  First, that it no longer enjoys enough of an advantage over the rest of the world to send less than its best players to an international tournament.  Second, that a team composed of 12 small forwards will lose to a team sporting legitimate players at all five positions.  Third, that George Karl really can’t coach.  Fourth, and most important of all for the purposes of this article, that high schools and colleges are no places to develop professional basketball players.

Hami Reaches Milestone with Streaky Macs
by Avi Mermelstein

On Thursday, January 30, in the Max Stern Athletic Center, Captain Eli Hami was honored before a game versus Brooklyn College for reaching the 1000-point milestone in his Yeshiva career.  Athletic Director Dr. Richard Zerneck presented Hami and Lady Macs’ all-time leading scorer Daniela Epstein with white-paneled ceremonial 1000-point balls.  Once the game began Hami showed no signs of stopping near 1000, scoring 32 points en route to an 83-77 overtime victory.  The performance reinforced Hami’s status as the one constant during this young Yeshiva team’s ride through an up and down season.

Volleyball Team Optimistic Despite Early Losses
by Avi Mermelstein

Despite starting the season 0-3, this year’s volleyball team has reason to be optimistic.  Coach Juan Corona returns for his third season to a team that blends experienced returning players with exciting newcomers.  With a core of returning players who understand what it takes to win, this year’s team looks to improve on last year’s 2-11 record. Director of Athletics Dr. Richard Zerneck believes the team has vastly improved from last year under the leadership of Corona, whom he calls “a wonderful teacher.”  Citing “good enthusiasm” and “improved skill level,” Zerneck is “hopeful” about this year’s team.

One-on-One

As of the writing of these articles, LeBron James was seeking a restraining order against the revocation of his amateur status by the Ohio High School Athletic Association.  The OHSAA had ruled James ineligible, claiming that he had forfeited his amateur status by accepting two authentic retro jerseys worth in excess of $800 in exchange for a basketball-related favor (ironically, the gift of a $50,000 Hum-Vee did not violate any laws). 

What do you think? Click here to send a letter to the editors.
All content is copyright © Yeshiva University Commentator.