High hopes for Maccabi import

WITH the 2015 Big V season officially tipping off this Sunday, Maccabi Warriors coach Daniel Sherr believes Canadian import Jared Mintz has all the skills to wreak havoc on Division 2.

Towering at 206cm while boasting a feathery touch around the ring, superior passing vision and ferocious rebounding ability, the 27-year-old basketballer is a revelation for Maccabi.

And if preseason form is any indication, Sherr is not just talking up his jumbo-sized addition. Mintz powered his way to a double-double in Maccabi’s 20-point victory over the Oakleigh Warriors, before producing stellar performances during the Labor Day tournament this past weekend, which saw Maccabi record two wins and two defeats.

“Jared has been great,” Sherr told the AJN.

“The presence he gives us both as a defensive anchor and offensively if we’re in trouble; or just creating screens and moves for other players – he has fitted in really well.”

Since touching down in Melbourne a month ago, coincidentally on Sherr’s birthday — “the biggest present I’ve ever had” – Mintz has rapidly adjusted to his new team and a different climate (it was below zero degrees when he departed Canada).

“He’s worked hard; his work ethic is second to none and he is super coachable,” said Sherr. For Mintz, playing Down Under is another chapter from a storied career that features stints in America, Israel and Ireland and arose from conversations with Warriors’ previous head coach Andrew Solewicz last year.

“I had never been to this part of the world so it seemed like a good chance,” Mintz told the AJN.

“I haven’t played for a Jewish team since high school, but I know that feeling of playing for a Jewish team in a general league. And it just seemed like one more really cool basketball-related chance to do something, so why not?”

A promising player in high school for the Hebrew Academy of Toronto and Vaughan Academy, Mintz moved to America after graduation when offered a scholarship for Lafayette University, an NCAA Division 1 school playing in the Patriot League.

In 2010 Mintz even set a Patriot League record as the first player to lead the league in field goal (53.7) and free throw (87.3) percentage in the same season.

After averaging 16 points and six rebounds in his fourth and final year, Mintz then signed with Israeli Premier League team Bnei HaSharon followed by a spell with Division 2 side Hod HaHashron.

“An opportunity then came up to work in Northern Ireland for Sport Changes Life, a non-profit organisation,” Mintz said.

“It’s basically a charity and they get American and Canadian athletes to come over by enticing them with a degree.”

While helping troubled Irish youth for the year, Mintz also achieved a Masters in Business Management as well as coaching and playing for his championship-winning university team.

The experience in Ireland opened his eyes to prospects outside of basketball, with Mintz saying he is looking for a fulltime job during his time in Melbourne. However, the big man won’t let that distract him from the main goal.

“I know only the top four teams make the finals, but when you come to a new place like this you don’t come expecting to play badly and lose,” said Mintz.

“I’m not saying we are going to win the championship, but I expect us to do well, be competitive and win games, and definitely be in contention to be in the finals.”

ADAM BLAU

Pictured: Jared Mintz in action for Lafayette College. Credit: Lafayette Collge

Maccabi Warriors play Collingwood, 2pm Sunday (March 15) at Bialik Stadium.