June 29, 2010 | 11:04 am

The Great Rabbino: Top 7 Jewish Sports Stories of the Decade

Posted by Jeremy Fine

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Over the next few week we will be posting the top 7 stories of the decade. The Great Rabbino website ran these stories a while back but they were never featured on the Jewish Journal. Since they were a big hit, we decided to post them here too. This list is totally of the opinion of TGR but we are fairly confident that we made the right choices. We felt the top 6 stories were pretty obvious. The 7th (today’s story) we struggled with. Just so you know the stories that were thrown out were Bar Refaeli making the cover of Sports Illustrated (trust me it was hard to take her accomplishment off the list, but we felt our reasoning for keeping it had little to do with sports). Also, just coming up short were Andre Tippett’s induction to the Football Hall of Fame and 2008 Baseball All Star game having three Jewish players. So what is number 7? One word.

GOLDBERG.

No not the hockey player from the Mighty Ducks, but rather Bill Goldberg of WCW/WWE fame. Now people might not be happy with number 7 and think that we here at TGR love wrestling too much (at least I do), but hear me out.

After Bill Goldberg, probably one of the most famous and recognizable wrestlers ever, left WCW (or WCW died out) he was out of a job. Goldberg, after much dispute and months/years of negotiations finally joins the WWE in 2003. Soon thereafter he wins the World Heavyweight Championship at the pay per view titled Unforgiven.

So why is this so important or worthy of the 7th slot. Goldberg, unlike many Jews, has never concealed his Jewish identity. From day one, everyone in the wrestling world knew that Goldberg, a former NFL Linebacker, was Jewish. And that made Goldberg special to the Jewish world. Finally, a Jew kicking ass all over the world. He speared the crapped out of everyone from Hulk Hogan to Ric Flair.

This past year Goldberg was inducted into the Jewish Hall of Fame. And recently, has been in talks with WWE about a possible return.

TGR decided to give Goldberg slot number 7 because of his Jewish pride and never backing down from a fight (even the fake ones).

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
Check out more at WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM

June 28, 2010 | 6:44 am

NBA Summer League

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Unfortunately, for Jewish basketball fans both Jon Scheyer and Sylven Landesberg did not get drafted. Now both are going to try make an NBA team the old fashion way…by earning it.

Their journey starts in the NBA summer league. Landesberg was immediately scooped up by the Sacramento Kings. That’s right Landesberg is going to join Omri Casspi this summer. We will be keeping an eye on what could be a dynamic Jewish combo. Click HERE for more.

While there is no confirmation to where Scheyer is headed, sources say he is headed to Miami. This would be a nice fit for Scheyer because Miami could use a shooter and has some roster spots available.

Good Luck to both and we will keep you posted.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For More Information Visit WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM

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June 24, 2010 | 10:04 pm

NBA Draft Disappoints

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Well, for weeks now TGR has been trying to follow Jon Scheyer and Sylven Landesberg as they prepare to get drafted into the NBA. I am sadly reporting that neither was taken in the 2010 NBA draft. In fact many no names were taken as Scheyer a national champion from Duke sat and watched the draft come to an end at midnight EST.

I suspect both players will get invited to NBA rookie camps and try to latch on after that. If not, I am sure Maccabi Tel Aviv is waiting.

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June 23, 2010 | 9:21 pm

Longest Tennis Match Ever NOT Played By A Jew

Posted by Jeremy Fine

So many people want to know is John Isner, who just played the longest tennis match ever, Jewish? The answer is NO, sorry. Below was taken from his website.

YOU ARE A GREAT ROLE MODEL, BY ANY CHANCE, ARE YOU OF JEWISH DESCENT?
Submitted by Judith Meyer, Briarcliff,New York
I’m glad to hear that you think I’m a good role model, i appreciate that comment. Actually I am not of jewish decent but I get asked that frequently I guess because my last name sounds somewhat jewish.

For more information check out WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM

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June 23, 2010 | 8:05 am

Yossi Benayoun - “The Kid” Can Play

Posted by Jeremy Fine

So I need to honest with everyone who reads this. I am not a soccer fan. For the most part I find it boring. I would rather play ping pong, swim laps, or work on my basketball skills than play soccer. Maybe its my bad ankles or maybe its because a high scoring game is 3-2, I just can’t really get into soccer. But recently I got an email from an old friend, Justin Ziemba (Sir Yes Sir), about an Israeli soccer player named Yossi Benayoun. Apparently, he is really good and as Justin put it “Right now, one of the hottest players is Yossi Benayoun.” So if that is true TGR feels it is our job to give you the scoop of the Israeli soccer phenom.

Originally from Dimona Israel Benayuon was nicknamed “The Kid” because he started his career at age 9 playing for Hapoel Be’er Sheva. By age 11 Benayoun was already considered a soccer star landing on the cover of magazines. Soon Benyoun moved on and began playing for Maccabi Haifa. In 2002 he left Israel and began playing all over the world. Now he plays for Liverpool as an attacking midfiedler. He is signed to play their through 2013. Since moving over to the premeir league he has a total of 23 goals, not bad for a middle infielder. But what is so impressive are how crucial the goals and assists he scores/dishes out are.

Benayoun is still drawn to his Israeli roots and serves as the captain of the Israeli Nathional Team. By Israelis he is known as the kind of player who puts his body on the line. In 2001 he won the Israeli Premeir League MVP and Maccabi Haifa won its first of back to back titles.

Well I repeat I am not a big soccer kind of guy. But if there was anyone worth following it would be Yossi Benayoun. Jewish. Israeli. And straight up good.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For more information check out WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM

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June 20, 2010 | 10:36 am

Where Will Scheyer and Landesberg Go?

Posted by Jeremy Fine

June 24th will possibly be the next chapter in Jewish Professional Basketball. With two prospects in this year’s NBA draft we went to the Jewish sports experts to see where might Duke’s Jon Scheyer and Virginia’s Sylven Landesberg end up.

Josh Borenstein - Creator of Jewsinbaseball.blogspot.com
Based on their respective ceilings, I believe Landesberg will be taken first. I think he’ll be an early second round pick or a late first round pick. Definitely could sneak into the first round. I think Scheyer will be a late second round pick. At best, he’ll be taken early in the second round. No idea which teams will draft them. Best guess: Scheyer goes to Minnesota and Landesberg goes to New Jersey.

Dane DiLiegro - Senior Center at New Hampshire
I’m gonna have to go with Scheyer in the early second round. I don’t know how good his strength is.

Steve Grossman - Jewishcoaches.com
I think both Scheyer and Landesberg will be drafted mid to late 2nd round. I would draft Landesberg before Scheyer, since I think he is more athletic and can do the intangibles better then Scheyer.

Adam Katz - TGR Fan - Duke Alum
My credible sources say Scheyer WILL be drafted.  I am thinking 2nd round.  Sylven Landesberg went to Virginia so he will end up on a court across the ocean somewhere. Actually the Bulls could use Scheyer as a developing shooting guard when they get rid of Kirk to make room for LeBron and Boozer.  Imagine the dishes he’ll make to Joakim, LeBron, Boozer, and D Rose driving to the hoop.  20 to 1 Assist to Turnover Ration baby. This time next year, Landesberg might be the fifteenth best player in New Zealand.

Yuval Klein - Writer - TheGreatRabbino.com
Both players will go into the second round maybe even deep into the second round. I like the prediction of nbadraft.net who put Scheyer at the 51st pick by the Thunder. Scheyer has gained advantage from Kyle Singler’s decision to stay at Duke for his senior year and also from J.J Redick’s great playoff performance. A lot of people see some similarities between the two. Sylven Landesberg will have to work more hard to get into the second round especially because of the inflation in good shooting guards. Analysts think Landesberg will be a better fit to the NBA than Scheyer but because lack of success in college and little media’s spot light might hurt him. Probably we will see Landesberg get picked around the five last picks. I think Utah or any team with a stable coach will good for him. Scheyer will be picked first, only because he played for Duke and won the national championship. I want to see Scheyer plays for the Suns (46th pick). This will be the first pick of the Suns in this draft. Currently the Suns enjoying Jason Richardson and Leandro Barbosa as shooting guards and there are strong rumors about trading Barbosa becuase of his big contract to evacuate some cash to bring Dirk Nowitzki. As for Landesberg, the Atlanta Hawks (53rd pick) will be a great place for the kid to develop. Jamal Crawford will be a starter next year because Joe Johnson will join forces with one of the super free agents (James or Wade), this will put a free spot at the bench which Landesberg can enjoy. We will have to see who will be the Hawks coach next year as well.

David Pustilnik -  Creator of Dabullseye.com
I’m not sure if you can really answer this question with regard to Scheyer.  The guy is expected to be a late second rounder, and as I’m sure you’re aware, the late second round is a total crapshoot.  The Lakers have a tendency to draft undervalued players like Scheyer, so I can see them drafting him with the 58th pick.  As for Landesberg, I just don’t think it’s going to happen for him.  He’s too unproven and has had some character issues.  He was also really didn’t improve his numbers in his sophomore year after an outstanding freshmen year.  Then he started skipping classes because he knew he wasn’t returning to school, and deservedly got suspended.  While his talent is undeniable, I don’t think there’s a team that’s going to take a risk on a project like Landesberg.  That’s not to say that he can’t make it with the team as an undrafted free agent, because like I said, the talent is there…I just don’t think he’ll get picked in the draft, even in the second round. So I guess by default, Scheyer will go first.

Jeremy Fine - Creator of TheGreatRabbino.com
It is a tough call. I really hope both players get drafted. In my heart of hearts want to believe Scheyer sneaks into the first round, but all the experts aren’t buying it. Sportsline.com has Landesberg going ahead of Scheyer and I guess I do too. There I say Landesberg to Portland via Chicago with the 44th pick and Scheyer will go 49th to the Spurs.

We will have updates if any news breaks.
And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For more information in Jewish sports check out www.TheGreatRabbino.com

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June 17, 2010 | 8:40 am

Video of the Week - Farmar’s Game 5 Dunk

Posted by Jeremy Fine

There could be only one choice for this week’s Video of the Week.

WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM

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June 16, 2010 | 8:07 am

Jewish Basketball Takes a Hit

Posted by Jeremy Fine

At the beginning of last NCAA basketball season we were super excited about the arrival of Nimrod Tishman. Tishman committed to the University of Florida. Arguably, the biggest program to take in an Israeli basketball star. There was a lot of hype for the freshman. Tishman averaged 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists per game in the Under-18 European Championships in July 2009. Big time numbers against tough competition. But this past season Tishman struggled to find playing time. And after a failed attempt to make it in the States, Tishman (who went by Rod at Florida) has decided to head back to Israel.

The good news is Billy Donavon and Florida can use Tishman’s scholarship to attract a new player(I mean good news for Florida). The bad news Jewish basketball took a step back. Tishman’s arrival was right beside Jordan Farmar’s NBA Championship title, Jon Scheyer’s emergence as an NBA calibor player, and of course the beginning of the Omri Casspi era. Tishman’s college career might be over but he will try to hone his skills in Israel.

Bottom line. This is a set back for Jewish American basketball. A blessing for Israeli basketball league. And just a bump in the road before Tishman tries to come back and play in the NBA.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For More On Jewish Sports Check out WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM

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