June 23, 2010 | 8:05 am

Yossi Benayoun - “The Kid” Can Play

Posted by Jeremy Fine

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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

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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June 13, 2010 | 9:58 am

Jews in the News

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Here are a bunch of recent stories to check out involving Jewish sports figures. Enjoy!

Aaron Rodgers vs. Tony Kornheiser
www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/13501840/rodgers-regrets-public-shots-at-kornheiser-jaworski?tag=globalNav.nfl;headlines

Jerry Reinsdorf Pulls Out
www.cbssports.com/nhl/story/13494287/reinsdorf-group-withdraws-from-coyotes-competition?tag=globalNav.nhl;headlines

Josh Whitesell Off To Tokyo
www.jewishbaseballnews.com/update-josh-whitesell-to-join-tokyo-yakult-swallows/

Gary Bettman Represents

Dan Grunfeld Headed to Israel
www.hoopsagents.com/basketball.asp?Cntry=ISR

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June 10, 2010 | 2:16 pm

Blackhawks Bring the Cup Home!!!

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Last night my good buddy Marc and I headed to Wrigleyville (yes, I walked into my own personal hell). But it was not for a Cubs game (although thanks to my friend Henry I will be there to watch my White Sox on Friday) rather I was there to celebrate my first Blackhawks Stanley Cup victory. The series and the game were amazing. The pandemonium in the streets afterward was insane.

Congrats to the Hawks on there first title since 1961.

On the topic of the Hawks I did some research on if there have ever been any Jewish Blackhawks. The answer is yes. Steve Dubinsky had an up and down Chicago career. Here is what Jewishvirtuallibrary.org had to say about his Blackhawks career. “Dubinsky was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the ninth round (226th overall) of the 1990 NHL Draft. Over the next four seasons, Dubinsky divided his time between the Blackhawks and the minors. In 1997-98, Steve played full-time with the Blackhawks and had his best season in the NHL. He recorded career highs in games (82), goals (five), assists (13), points (18), penalty minutes (57), and shots (112). After the season ended, Steve was traded to the Calgary Flames. He played in 61 games and had 14 points for the Flames during the 1998-99 season.”...

“Despite a solid season in 2001, Dubinsky spent most of the 2002 season in the minors while under contract with the Blackhawks. He appeared in three games for the Blackhawks, and scored the game-winning goal for Chicago on January 10, in a 2-1 victory over the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. In his three games with Chicago, Dubinsky registered one point, a +1 plus/minus rating, and four penalty minutes. Steve spent much of the early season with Chicago’s AHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals, before being sent to the Milwaukee Admirals on November 26. He was called up to the Blackhawks for two games in early January, 2002, but was then sent back to Milwaukee on January 14 (he had 18 goals and 14 assists (32 points) in 47 games in the minors during the season). On February 6, 2002, Chicago traded Dubinsky to Nashville for future considerations and he played well for his new team.”

Dubinsky retired in 2003 after a 10 year career. Besides the Hawks he played for Flames, Predators, and Blues. It was a nice run for an 11th round pick Center from Clarkson University.

Here is to you Steve Dubinsky and the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For More on Jews in Sports Check Out WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM

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June 9, 2010 | 7:47 am

Interview with Professional Wrestler Chasyn Rance

Posted by Jeremy Fine

By now its no surprise that sprinkled in with the basketball, baseball, football, and hockey news TGR is going to run some wrestling stories. It is my guilty pleasure but more importantly it is a sport where Jews seem to be involved and are successful. Also, it is easy to get there contact information.

We got a hold of Chasyn Rance. Rance wrestles all over the world and for many different promotions including WWE, TNA, and ROH. In 2009 he was ranked #389 in the PWI best wrestler rankings. Rance has big hopes and has surrounded himself with guys who really knows the business.

Recently, Rance was also featured on VH1’s Tool Academy. Find out what he says about the experience.

INTERVIEW:

1) How did you start wrestling?
Always something I wanted to do and at the age of 15, started training.

2) Out of these Jewish wrestlers who would win Macho Man, Goldberg, Raven, or Kelly Kelly?
In what? Intelligence, Raven. Beauty pageant, Kelly Kelly.

3) Have your ever competed against Colt Cabana or Brimstone? Who would win in a straight up fight?
I’ve tagged with Cabana in England and have faced him in FIP. In a straight up fight, I’d win.

4) Who trained you? Are you still close with Larry Zbyszko?
I was trained by Rusty Brooks. I’ve had work with many, many stars over the years and Larry is one of them. He’s next to me right now. I’ve been working with Larry for over 3 years. He’s a great guy and he knows a lot about the business as well as everything else…just ask him.

5) What was your experience like on the Tool Academy? Has it helped your wrestling career?
You saw the show. How do you think my experience was? I guess it has given me a bit more of recognition but I do things all the time from small spots in tv shows, movies, and whatever else. Keep watching me on Last Call with Scott Hall www.youtube.com/ScottHallTV

6) Who is the greatest wrestler you have ever faced? What was the result?
Larry Zbyszko, I beat him

7) What are your long term aspirations as a wrestler?
Make money, meet more girls, win a world title, and work for the WWE. Check, check, check, and check! Now time for more money, girls, titles, and we’ll see about WWE.

8) If you could have one Diva walk you to the ring who would it be? Santana.
She’s not too well known yet but check her out www.SantanaG.com.

9)Does your Judaism ever come into consideration when you are wrestling? What was your Jewish upbringing like? Is there one thing about Judaism that you connect to?
Some top promoters and bookers are Jewish so that has worked in my favor. I teamed with C.M. Punk in MLW as the Straight Edge Army. I turned the XXX and the Star of David into one logo which I kept around for a while. Jewish upbringing was fine. Shabbot most Friday nights, candles at least every Friday. Temple on high holy holidays and other holidays. Jewish camp and pre-school. I just connect to the people. Feels more comfortable as it does for anyone whether it’s race, religion, or experiences. I also really like that we’re the Chosen People and don’t believe in Hell.

A big thanks to Rance for the interview. Good luck to him in the future. For more information on Rance check out www.chasynrance.com
And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For More Information Check Out WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM

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June 6, 2010 | 6:45 am

The Greatest Baseball Player of My Generation

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Today was a sad day in baseball. It is true that my favorite player of all-time is Frank Thomas. But if Big Frank wouldn’t have been on the White Sox I probably would have had Ken Griffey Jr. posters all over my room. Griffey was the greatest player of my generation. People can argue Bonds, Clemens, or whoever else they want. I would take Griffey. After Griffey left Seattle the first time his career took a major turn due to injury after injury. Yet he still is 5th all time in HRs. The top 6 are Bonds, Aaron, Ruth, Mays, Griffey, and Sosa. If you take away Bonds and Sosa for obvious reasons Griffey is left with the greatest players who ever played the game of baseball.

But besides his HRs he played a center fielder like only Mays could. Youtube is catches from his early days. You will be WOWed. If you are teaching your son or daughter how to hit, watch Griffey’s swing. Everything about this man was perfection. Sweet swinging, fence jumping, home run hitting, The Kid Ken Griffey Junior. In an age of steroids and corked bats, Griffey was the model citizen who succeed without cheating. That is why we should all rally around his amazing career.

Two years ago Griffey was traded to the White Sox. Sure he was past his prime. But I bought tickets the second he was traded to the South Side, because to see the best player of my era in Black and White was such a thrill. Chills went up and down my spine. Imagine Michael Jordan playing 30 games in your team’s jersey. Imagine Barry Sanders lining up in your team’s backfield for the last three weeks of a season. Would you go? How fast would you buy those tickets?

Well the age old question on TGR. How is this Jewish?

For once I wanted to not have a link and just give Griffey his props. But I couldn’t do that. I got the news from reading Sportsline.com. Through this article I realized that Jack Zduriencik (Jewish), Mariners general manager was Jewish. Zduriencik was responsible for bringing Griffey back to Seattle and giving Griffey his final hoorah as a Mariner. Zduriencik said, “This is a sad day for the Mariners…It is rare in this game when you get an opportunity to reunite a player and a team. We feel honored that Ken was able to end his career where it began, here in Seattle.”

I guess it was time for Jack Zduriencik and the Mariners to cut ties with Griffey. The fact is he isn’t producing and is a defensive liability. But what a class act by Zduriencik to bring Griffey back home. To honor him the way he should be. To solidify Griffey as the face of the organization.

Goodbye to the Griff. The game won’t be the same without you.

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

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