When I was a kid there was one Jewish basketball player that truly mattered; Doron Sheffer. The Israeli phenom in the backcourt with Ray Allen at UConn. He was the Big East Freshman of the Year. He was a star and not only Jewish but Israeli! Drafted in the second round, 36th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers, he chose to head home and play in Israel. Now Tal Brody’s story is taught to kids but not back then. We saw a NCAA legend head to Israel and we were all intrigued.

He went on to win 4 straight Israeli League Championships with Maccabi Tel Aviv and many of us wanted him to come back to America and show what he could do. But suddenly he disappeared to travel the world. Sheffer, an Israeli legend, was gone and no one knew why. After a health scare, he attempted a few comebacks but it was not the same. Sheffer’s basketball status he disappeared as well.

Sheffer has a new book out, his first was an autobiography. His website describes his book as “In a unique glimpse into the world of professional basketball, former NBA-draft pick and all-around mensch Doron Sheffer regales readers with the experiences on and off the court that changed, influenced, and molded him into the man he is today. Drawing on his years leading prominent teams to unprecedented achievements, Sheffer’s memories range from transformative to moving to downright hilarious. While some revolve around tense, tie-breaking moments, others might star inspiring players like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, teammates such as Ray Allen, coach Jim Calhoun, and many more. But most importantly, all convey lifechanging lessons on sacrifice, perseverance, humility, kindness of heart, and everything else the world of sports can teach us about the most important game of all – the Game of Life.”

As someone who has been covering Jews in sports for 15 years, the name Doron Sheffer holds a lot of weight. Sheffer was at UConn and playing in front of everyone. He was THE guy before Omri, Gal, Deni and beyond. Sheffer’s story told so many young Jews and even Zionists that Israeli basketball had a serious future and the cavalry is coming soon! Sheffer’s impact on young Jews in sports is only surpassed by the Koufaxs and Luckmans of the world. He was the true first GOAT of Israeli basketball.