After a tough loss to Manhattanville in the Skyline semifinals to close last season, the Macs look
positioned to compete for the Skyline Championship yet again in the 2023-2024 season. Matan Zucker and Oren Betesh are gone, but a host of new players have joined the squad. Here is a
brief introduction to every player on this year’s roster:
New Players
Hillel Baynash is a 5’7” guard from Dallas, TX who went to Akiba Yavneh Academy. Hillel plays with a lot of energy and intensity, which helps him defensively. He can break defenders down off the dribble with his handles and quick first step.
Ben Haber is a 6’3” wing from Englewood, NJ. Ben went to Frisch for high school and was a key member of their squad. Ben is extremely athletic and has good size for a wing player. It may take time for him to get acclimated to the system but he should be able to develop his skills over the course of the season and become a contributor for the team.
Yoav Oselka is from Givatayim, Israel and went to Shimon Ben Tzvi high school. Yoav will fortify the Macs’ presence down low. His 6’7” frame makes him an effective player in the post both on offense and defense. He is a good rebounder and possesses a soft touch around the rim. Additionally, his shooting and impressive footwork allow for lineup flexibility when he’s on the court.
Ezra Sicklick is a junior from Woodmere, NY who went to DRS. He is in his second year in YU, making the team as a walk-on. Ezra is a plus shooter who brings a mature presence to the Macs. He is a smart player who should learn the system quickly.
Or Sundjyvsky hails from Fair Lawn, NJ and transferred from Marshalltown Community College. Or is a high IQ player who can shoot the ball well. His hustle and 6’5” frame will allow him to be a big contributor both on the glass and defensively. Sundjyvsky’s skillset fits well within the team’s structure.
Returning players
Zevi Samet returns after a successful rookie campaign where he led the team in scoring. Zevi is a great three-point shooter and the Macs’ best overall shooter. Over the offseason, Zevi worked on improving his defense to become a more complete player. His calm demeanor on and off the court will help the team in a multitude of ways.
Max Zakheim came last year as a transfer from Bryant University and showed us why he was being recruited by D-I programs. He is explosive off the bounce and is nearly unstoppable when driving to the basket. He is also a relentless defender and has great basketball instincts. Likely the Macs’ best all- around player, the Macs will go where Zakheim takes them.
Roy Itcovichi had an impressive rookie season for the Macs last year. With his combination of size and speed, Roy is an excellent defender and often guarded the other team’s best player. Offensively, he has been outstanding as a screener and cutting off the ball. Roy has proven he can hit the open shot and provide energy to this team.
Dothan Bardichev is a 6’6” forward entering his second year with the team. After an up-and-down season last year, Dothan put in the work over the offseason and has improved in many elements of his game. He is a good finisher and can shoot the ball at an above-average clip. A high IQ player, he contributes well with his vision and screen game. A developing player who is still learning, Dothan looks to be a contributor and improve as the season progresses.
Adi Markovich and Gav Landau are the most experienced players on the team, both in their fourth seasons, and they have been named co-captains. Adi shoots the ball well and is a good defender. Known to make a highlight pass every so often, he plays smart basketball and has a strong understanding of the Macs’ system. A leader on and off the court, he should help the newer players learn the system and get accustomed to playing basketball at YU. Gav knows the offense well and looks to set up his teammates for open shots. He has improved as a shooter and is a good defender. Gav is a high energy player that can lift team morale when he is on the court. He can often be seen motivating his teammates. A hard worker and role model for other players, Gav is set for an increased role for the Macs this season.
Effy Freundlich joined the Macs last year after attending Torat Shraga in Israel. Effy should improve in his first full season now that he is more comfortable in the Macs’ offense. An athletic wing, he flashed his defensive potential with a handful of eye-popping blocks last season. Effy should be a sparkplug off the bench for the Macs.
Jacob Rodin is a 6’1” guard in his second season with the Macs. He is an athletic defender who is still developing his game. Jacob can shoot the ball well and with further development he has the ability to become a contributor for the Macs.
Tom Beza is a 6’0" guard in his second season with the team. A hard worker, Tom is a feisty defender who is very quick on the court. His shooting, energy, and work ethic will help him down the line in his time with the team.
Ari Shklyar is a 6’2” guard who can shoot the ball well. Ari plays with a High IQ and is a good passer. After seeing limited minutes last season, he should continue to improve in his second season with the Macs.
Joe Sultan is a 6’8” forward who can finish well in the paint. Although he got limited minutes last season, he can provide depth for the Macs as a rotational big who brings a presence in the block.
With most of the team’s core returning and the addition of exciting new players, expectations for the Macs remain high as they look to capture their fourth Skyline championship and another NCAA Tournament berth.