Our latest preview to the Team Maccabi GB Squad who will be competing at next month’s JCC Maccabi Campus Games focusses on the U17 Boys 5x5 Basketball team.
Guy Rundle only took on the role of manager of the squad two-and-a-half months ago, taking up the mantle with the players already chosen. He said: “I was lucky to have inherited the squad, which was compiled by Daniel Tannenbaum. He did a fantastic job of gathering these young men together from across the greater London area, I was fortunate to not have to be in the position to pick and choose them.”
A number of those that were selected have experience of playing at national and, for some, even at international level, where they compete at the England national league level, though as Rundle says: “Even those with less experience I feel are still very talented and have much to contribute.”
Being in a ‘fortunate’ position to be able to practice twice a week, Rundle reports that there have been “good attendance from all during the exams period and how it’s been great to work with committed and motivated players, which makes my life a lot easier”.
Ahead of the big tip-off, Rundle says: “focus will be on preparation for the Games and working on team fitness, but more importantly understanding the system and style of play I am trying to cultivate within the group.”
As to how much he feels the boys are looking forward to taking part in the tournament and representing their country in an international competition, he continues: “I think they’re all really looking forward to the event, there’s a lot of anticipation about the structure of the Games, but also to experience the playing level of the other teams from across the states and globally.
“From a basketball point of view, these Games provide an amazing opportunity to experience different philosophies and playing styles, it will be an intense learning experience for all, which I’m confident my boys will take in their stride.
“From a community point of view, these Games are truly eye opening to experience and meet different cultural groups in a safe and inclusive space. Having experienced the JCC Games before in 2006, I know firsthand how important both of these elements of the Games are to personal and athletic progress.”
Expecting a tough challenge when they get out to Pittsburgh, Rundle continues: “The Americans of course will have a wide variety of skill, talent and work ethics which will be different to what the boys have experienced domestically. International teams involved like Israel have a long and strong basketball history, so competition will be tough. I expect my boys to step up to the challenge, work hard and learn. There are some big opportunities for us to learn at these Games.”
As to what it will mean to him on a personal level, to lead the team, he says: “It is full circle for me. As a player in my youth at the 2005 Maccabiah Games and 2006 JCC Games in Arizona, I was able to use these experiences to add to my development which ultimately led to me playing university basketball in the US. Now, as a coach, I’m able to assist and impart all that I have learnt over the years and it feels great to be able to give back to a sport that I love and one which has provided me with so many opportunities throughout the years.”
And ending on what he hopes his squad can achieve, both on and off the court, he adds: “My expectations for the team is to go out there and give it their all, to stick to what we are trying to achieve as a team on the court and to take in as much as they can from both the basketball and social aspects of the games.
“I expect if we work hard and play together it will put us in the best position to go as deep as possible into the competition. Obviously, I would love for us to bring back some silverware and some unforgettable memories back to the UK, and if we follow the process, I think we will be in the best possible position to do so.”
Squad: Avraham Sassooni, Jonathan Darmon, Oz Simani, Ariel Choumon, Eli Shemer-Zardok, Martin Weinberger, Noah Binun, Zack Magnus, Coby Rubak
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