An Israeli all-star

February 14, 2010 - 12:48 PM by

When Omri Casspi became the first Israeli to land a spot on an NBA roster this year – with the Sacramento Kings – that was an achievement in itself. Nobody seriously anticipated that Yavne native would have much of an impact on the team in his first year, let alone make a major impression on the league with his play.

Well halfway through the season, Casspi has done such a tremendous job with the Kings, that he was invited to the All-Star Weekend in Dallas for the Rookie Challenge, in which the leagues top rookies take on the best second-year players.

And thanks, in part to Casspi’s 13 points and five rebounds, the rookies outdueled the sophomores for a 140-128 victory, just another feather in Casspi’s already feather-filled cap of a season.

Only a week ago, Casspi made his New York debut at Madison Square Garden, where the former Maccabi Tel Aviv star was greeted with rock star veracity on Jewish Heritage Night by fans waving Israeli flags and shouting his name whenever he scored. The organist playing a ‘Hava Nagilla’ riff also contributed to the festive atmosphere.

It was in Dallas, however, where Casspi received some of his most meaningful praise – from NBA superstars Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Dirk Nowitzki, who have taken note of the 21-year-old’s stellar play for the mediocre Kings.

“I think he’s playing very well for the Kings,” said Bryant. “I think he’s doing phenomenally well.”

“It’s amazing, the steps he has made in a couple of months,” added the Dallas Mavericks forward Nowitzki. “He’s confident, he looks like he belongs out there and he wants to compete. He’s got a decent looking shot and he moves well off the ball. I really like his game. As long as he keeps on working and improving the sky is the limit.”

League MVP James told AP that he had known of Casspi’s potential before the season even began. “I saw him when he came to work out with us in the summer. He’s a very talented guy. Very athletic. He’s done some great things.”

For Casspi himself, playing in the game was the highlight of his rookie season so far.

“It’s bigger than what I thought, just being around all those players and being at All-Star Weekend,” Casspi told The Jerusalem Post. “You come here, and you want to come here again. I’m very proud. Please God I’ll come back next year.

“I’m living my dream. There’s no time to get tired of it. When I get tired of it, I just keep thinking to myself, ‘This is where I wanted to be all the time.’”

And for Jewish and Israeli fans of Casspi’s, it’s hard to imagine heart cavities having any more space available to fill with pride, but he keeps on managing to make us prouder with each week of the season that goes on.

Tags: , , , , , • Category: A New Reality, General, Pop Culture, Profiles, Sports 

Comments

Leave a Comment





© 2012 ISRAELITY | Site by illuminea | Sitemap