New York, NY (November 12, 2015) – The Yeshiva University men's basketball team is set to take the court this Sunday, November 15 for the squad's 2015-16 opener. The Maccabees have been back to their early morning work at the Max Stern Athletic Center gearing up for another year of hoops in the always-competitive Skyline Conference. Second-year coach, Elliot Steinmetz, is excited with the potential for this year's team. 

"Guys are working hard," said Steinmetz. "This group has a ton of potential. We have a nice mix of young talent and veteran leadership. It will be very interesting to see how the rest of the conference has developed in the offseason."

A year removed from a 14-11 record and fifth place finish in the Skyline Conference, the Maccabees are ready to move forward. The goal has not changed for Steinmetz and his squad – win the Skyline Conference and advance to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time in the university's history. After being picked to finish second-to-last in 2014-15, the Macs surprised the conference by jumping into first place for a good portion of the season ultimately finishing fifth and losing in the conference playoffs to SUNY Old Westbury. This year, the Macs were picked to finish fifth in the polls. They will look to improve on last year's finish and once again surprise the league.
 
RETURNERS
The Maccabees return eight players from last year's roster including five seniors.  Back to lead the team at the forward position is senior Shelby Rosenberg (Woodmere, NY/HAFTR), who averaged 15.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game a season ago. The first-team all-Skyline Conference selection was also named a preseason All-American by smallcollegehoops.com. One of this year's captains is also one of the team's most polished and physical players, and will again be a key piece in carrying the team into the postseason.  Senior and tri-captain Shaje Weiss (Edison, NJ/JEC/RTMA) will see his role extended this season after finishing second in the conference last year in field goal percentage. Weiss made his presence felt on both sides of the court in 2014-15, often being assigned to guard opponent's best scorer. One of the most athletic players in the conference, Shaje will again be relied upon to attack the basket offensively, and lock-up big scorers defensively.

Junior Michael Berg (New York, NY/Ramaz) will also be counted on for increased production. After missing the stretch run into the playoffs due to injury, Berg will look to build on what was a tremendous rookie season. Berg established himself as high field goal percentage scorer and strong defender and rebounder. He averaged 8.5 points, 5.5 boards and 2.4 assists per game as a sophomore and was named Rookie of the Week in the Skyline Conference on December 1st. Coach Steinmetz credits Berg with helping to establish the culture of the men's basketball team last season.  Senior and tri-captain Yosef Rosenthal (West Hempstead, NY/Rambam Mesivta) is now healthy after being hampered by an ankle injury during most of the 2014-25 season. He brings leadership and consistency to the Macs and Coach Steinmetz will be relying on his strong three-point shooting to create space and opportunities for Rosenberg and Weiss.  Junior Jordan Hod (Teaneck, NJ/Frisch) is back after playing 30 minutes per game last year for the Macs. Hod showed his ability to consistently manage the Macs offense last year and will look to continue to lead them from the point guard position in 2015-16. 

Senior Joseph Ammar (Miami, FL/Hillel) came off the bench last season as a strong 3-point threat. The 6-3 guard averaged 6.7 points per game last year and shot over 35% from three.  Junior Isaac Mirwis (Houston, TX/Beren Academy) will look to make his way into the regular rotation after appearing in seventeen games last season averaging 1.5 points and just under 1 assist per game.   Senior Eytan Potash (Teaneck, NJ/Frisch) will also look to make his way into the regular rotation after playing about 7 minutes per game last season. Known for his defensive prowess, Potash managed to rack up 15 steals in limited minutes last season.

NEWCOMERS
Junior Dean Pienica (Tel Aviv, Israel/Lady Davis) joined the team as a transfer during the offseason. As a 6'5 swingman with multiple tools, the coaching staff is expecting both production and leadership right away. His strong preseason performance has indicated that their expectations will be met.

The coaching staff has been excited with the potential of freshman forward Michael Hayon (Los Angeles, CA/Westlake High School) since the start of preseason. The 6-5, 215 lb. big man is a graduate of Westlake High School, and will provide the Macs a much-needed physical presence in the paint. Steinmetz describes him as a highly skilled, high IQ player, with a good shot and soft touch around the rim.  The coaching staff has also been impressed with the play of freshman Tal Gweta (Calabasas, CA/Calabasas). The 6-4 guard will likely see time at the wing position early on in the season. Steinmetz describes him as a guard with great size and court-awareness.   

Fellow first-years Judah Cohen (Englewood, NJ/Frisch) and Jamie Cappell (New York, NY/Ramaz) have also been in the rotation through the team's scrimmages, and the guards will provide great shooting and passing on the perimeter. Steinmetz expects Cohen to play valuable minutes at the point and for Cappell to create space with his ability to shoot the ball from the outside.  Sophomore forward Jack Turell (Los Angeles, CA/Valley Torah), freshman forward Bryan Itkowitz (Memphis, TN/CYHSB), freshman guard Justin Hod (Teaneck, NJ/Frisch) and freshman guard Ariel Sokol (Los Angeles, CA/YULA) will also look to make their collegiate debuts after successful high school careers.   
 
COACHING STAFF
Yogev Berdugo will return on the sidelines along with Steinmetz for a second year, and he's been thrilled with the dynamic through the first month of practice.  "Having Coach Berdugo adds a dynamic of energy," said Steinmetz. "His ability to break down what we are teaching into focused fundamental drills is crucial to our ability to improve as a team every day."

"Im excited to be back for a second season to continue to build off of what we started last year." said Berdugo. " Our goals are defined. Our roster is deeper and more experienced."
 
SCHEDULE
Yeshiva will open up the year at home with a matchup against Gallaudet University on November 15. The Macs will then travel downtown to compete against Baruch College on November 18.  Before heading into conference play, the Macs will face Hunter College at home, and will finish up the first semester with an anticipated match-up with New York University in the Coles Sports Center. 

Should the team advance, the first round of the Skyline Conference playoffs will begin on February 23, 2016.