Led by Concordia Head Coach John Dore, Canada's entry at the Maccabiah Games in Isreal reached the semi-finals of the tournament played in late July, losing to the American entry 123-76 in the semifinals. The USA had several pros and top Division 1 players including Duke's Jon Scheyer, former Arizona State standout Derek Glasser, several other Ivy league stars and Tennessee's Steve Pearl, son of Vol's Head Coach Bruce Pearl, who coached the USA Maccabiah club.
According to Dore, Canada was led by Dal's emerging Moser candidate Simon Farine, who had 31 points in the semi-final loss to the USA. "Simon was our best player and his game is off the charts right now. He was unbelievable against the Americans.", commented Dore, who added: "He's going to have a monster year".
Other CIS players/graduates who played for Canada included former Queen's forward Jordan Balaban, McGill's Andrew Bier, who was injured toward the end of the tournament, Saskatchewan's Matt Greenberg, McMaster's Adam Steiner and former York point guard Eylon Zemer, who is now playing professionally in Isreal with Hopoel Nazareth Ilit. Former Mac and U of T star forward Ben Katz was expected to play a major role on the team but missed the tournament with an injury.
(Note: It's not just you who may be questioning my recent liberal use of the phrase "Moser candidate" but it's part of the hype and now I acknowledge that at some point I've got to come out with a list so stay with me.)
Nice article featuring long-time Quebec international basketball referee Harry Hus regarding the recent Maccabiah Games Reflections of 36 years at Maccabiah Games
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