November 30, 2011 | 10:01 pm

Top Jewish NBA Stories of 2012 (and a little of 2011)

Posted by Jeremy Fine

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Oh, how I missed you. I missed your dunks and dishes. I missed your poise and effort. I missed your improving skills and fearless leadership. I missed you Derrick Rose.

Anyone else as excited for the NBA? Well, its time to count down the Top 10 Jewish NBA Stories of 2012 (and a little of 2011).

10) Maccabi’s Influence in the NBA

Now that Maccabi Tel Aviv is a powerhouse in Europe, will that mean more NBA players coming over from Israel. Regardless, if they are Jewish or not Israel has had an impact on the NBA and helped develop many players.

9) Lebron and Kobe at JCCs

I am not sure if this means anything for the Jewish people or for Jewish basketball, but maybe just maybe Lebron and Kobe bring more attention to the game. Maybe JCCs can becoming practice facilities for the NBA?

8) Will the People Follow Omri to Cleveland

With Omri Casspi being traded to Cleveland, will he see the same response and following from the Cleveland fans? Will Israeli flags be out at each game? Will he been seen eating at the Kosher Subway?

7) Arison and the Heat Need More

Lebron, Wade, and Bosh. Is there anyone else on that team. Arison will need to buy some more bodies to help the Big 3 help.

6) Amare Judaism

According to Jewish law Amare is not Jewish, but he has brought just as much attention to Judaism through basketball than maybe anyone else. What will his next step be? Will he open Jewish schools? Play with a kippah on? Not sure, but excited to see more.

5) Cuban to Assemble Repeat

The Mavs were great down the stretch and didn’t even have Caron Butler. If Butler returns or if the Mavs make more deals, can they repeat? My vote is anyone but the Heat.

4) Frank Back on the Saddle

The Pistons have been down and out. Enter Lawrence Frank. Will that make a difference? Will they sign Tayshun Prince or start anew? Regardless, good luck to Frank its going to be an uphill battle.

3) Farmar’s Success

Now that Farmar got to go over to Israel and show he can lead a team in all ways (scoring and passing) at a high level, will the Nets give him a chance? Can he get in with Deron Williams in the way? Farmar certainly has something to prove and some new found confidence to help him out.

2) Casspi’s New Challenge

Casspi had a solid Rookie season, but faded last year. Some believe he was in Paul Westpaul’s doghouse. Will a new scenery mean more minutes and opportunities. With the Cavs hoping to run with Kyrie Irving, this should benefit Casspi.

1) Stern Post Lockout

I think the most interesting story is what David Stern’s role and image will be post lockout. How will he handle the new situation? What trouble will brew from a shorten season? Will the deal hold up?

Mark your calendars for December 25th, not because of Hanukkah or Christmas, because finally the NBA can restart. Who else is excited for a DRose crossover?

“I wanna go higher.” - Stacey King

And Let Us Say…Amen.
- Jeremy Fine
www.TheGreatRabbino.com

November 27, 2011 | 12:15 pm

Farmar and Casspi to Return to States

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Now that the NBA lockout is over (so excited to watch DRose), it looks like Maccabi Tel Aviv will be without Jordan Farmar and Omri Casspi.

Casspi will return to the Cleveland Cavs, but will be recovering from a knee injury. To read more click HERE.

Jordan Farmar, who had been leading red hot TA, will return to the states. In his last game he dished out 13 assists and added 11 points. To read more click HERE.

Certainly Maccabi will miss them both and looked to be a powerhouse in Europe, but NBA fans should be ready. Also, we might finally get to see Jon Scheyer receive some minutes.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
- Jeremy Fine
www.TheGreatRabbin.com

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November 27, 2011 | 12:12 pm

Braun Named MVP

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Mazel Tov to Ryan Braun on becoming the NL MVP. First Jewish blooded MVP (hitter) since Hank Greenberg. Well deserved. For more read HERE.

www.TheGreatRabbino.com

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November 21, 2011 | 7:00 pm

Forget Salita and Foreman: Meet Carolina Raquel Duer

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Carolina Raquel Duer has been making headlines. The Jewish Argentinian female boxer is World Boxing Organization’s super flyweight champion. 

www.TheGreatRabbino.com

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November 21, 2011 | 6:57 pm

Bears Hurting

Posted by Jeremy Fine

This post is late, and yes Jay Cutler’s injury is much tougher, but the Bears have also placed Gabe Carimi on IR. Frustrating start for the #1 draft pick. For more read HERE.

www.TheGreatRabbino.com

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November 21, 2011 | 6:57 pm

Bears Hurtings

Posted by Jeremy Fine

This post is late, and yes Jay Cutler’s injury is much tougher, but the Bears have also placed Gabe Carimi on IR. Frustrating start for the #1 draft pick. For more read HERE.

www.TheGreatRabbino.com

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November 21, 2011 | 6:53 pm

Where Are They Now: WWE’s Albert

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Albert or A-Train as WWE fans remember him, probably neglect that his real name is Matt Bloom. Albert arrived on the WWE scene with piercings to protect Droz and acted as his personal tattoo artist. Droz later suffered an injury and Albert was recruited by Trish Status to team with Test and form T & A. After splitting with Test, he formed a stable with Justin Credible and X-Pac called X-Factor. That eventually dissolved and Albert competed as a singles wrestler, where he became an Intercontinental Champion. But the highlight of his career was that he wrestled the Undertaker and Big Show at Wrestlemania XIX.

Unlike most American wrestlers Albert headed to Japan and more importantly has stayed there ever since. In 2005 he worked for All Japan Pro Wrestling. Then he made his way to New Japan Pro Wrestling where he has become a major player. While at New Japan he began wrestling under the name Giant Bernard. In 2006 he won the New Japan Cup. He is also a two time IWGP Tag Team Champion, once with Tyson Tomko and currently with Karl Anderson.

While it is in Japanese, click HERE for his New Japan profile.

Before he was Albert or Giant Bernard, he was Matt Bloom, as Jewish kid who attended Peabody High School and later went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh. After playing briefly in the NFL he went on to become a teacher. Eventually he fell in love with wrestling.

Us Jewish wrestling fans would love to see Albert back in the WWE or TNA, but for now he is in Japan for Hanukkah.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
- Jeremy Fine
www.TheGreatRabbino.com

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November 15, 2011 | 6:23 pm

Breaking News: Casspi Headed Back to Israel

Posted by Jeremy Fine

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