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Philadelphia, PA, March 7 – Chuck Shechtman and Daniel Yoshor, USA Youth Men’s Basketball Co-Chairs for the 19th World Maccabiah Games, announced the Youth Basketball Men’s team that will participate in the Games, July 2013. The team will be coached by Yanni Hufnagel, James Chadwin and Elliot Steinmetz.

“I expect our athletes to have a fantastic and memorable experience on and off the court. They will experience Israel in a unique and dynamic way, exploring the country and competing against Jewish athletes from around the world,” said Yoshor. “Yanni is already legendary in college basketball circles for his infectious enthusiasm and positive energy. The kids will love playing for him and for Jamie and Elliot, and will learn a ton about basketball and life.”

Yanni Hufnagel is currently in his fourth year as an assistant coach for the Men’s Basketball team at Harvard University. At Harvard, Hufnagel is in charge of recruiting, perimeter player development and assists with opponent scouting. Hufnagel has a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and a master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration from the University of Oklahoma. Before being an assistant coach at Harvard University, he served as a graduate assistant for the Men’s Basketball team at Oklahoma, as well as a Summer Basketball Operation Intern with the New Jersey Nets.

The team members are: Michael Bregman from New York, NY; Judah Cohen from Englewood, NJ; Joseph Fallas from Beverly Hills, CA; Carlos Fineman from Lafayette, CA; Anthony Firkser from Manalapan, NJ; Joshua Fried from Bethesda, MD; Michael Greenman from Linwood, NJ; Daniel Janel from Fresh Meadows, NY; Lior Levy from Princeton, NJ; Matt Sherman from Penn Valley, PA; Spencer Weisz from Florham Park, NJ; and Zachary Yoshor from Houston, TX.

“I have high expectations for this group and competing at a high level every day is one of them,” Hufnagel said. “Secondly, this needs to be a memorable experience for these guys, one that lasts a lifetime. For that to happen, the trip will have to transcend the borders of just basketball and I’m committed to making that happen.”

For more information about the Maccabiah Games or to schedule an interview with one of our athletes, please contact Sara Feinstein at 215.561.6900 x119.

About the organization:

Maccabi USA (MUSA) is a federally-recognized not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with an extensive history of enriching Jewish lives through athletic, cultural and educational programs.  The organization is the official sponsor of the United States Team to the World Maccabiah Games, the Pan American Maccabi Games and the Maccabi competitions in Europe and Australia, as well as a sponsor of the JCC Maccabi Games for teens in North America.  As the official Maccabi representative in the U.S., Maccabi USA supports Jewish athletic endeavors, enhanced by cultural and educational activities in the United States, Israel and throughout the Diaspora.

MUSA develops, promotes and supports international, national and regional athletic-based activities and facilities.  It strives to provide Jewish athletes the world over the opportunity to share their heritage and customs in competitive athletic settings.  MUSA supports programs that embody the Maccabi ideals of Jewish Continuity, Zionism and Excellence in Sport.  Maccabi USA Builds Jewish Pride Through Sports.

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