Well, Yeshiva University Maccabees fans, it's that time of year again! We're gearing up for a new season of YU basketball, and it's shaping up to be a thrilling ride. Last year, the Macs had a solid 16-10 record, which included a run to the conference semifinals before falling to Manhattanville. This season, the bar is higher: the goal is to be the Skyline Conference champs and earn a return ticket to the NCAA
tournament.
Sophomore Zevi Samet will look to lead the Macs further than the Skyline Conference semifinals this season (Photo Credit: Akiva Poppers)
What to watch for:
Keep an eye on the sophomore players who have developed since their freshman year – there might be some pleasant surprises. It'll be interesting to see who takes the next step in their development, and it's an excellent opportunity to assess the team's potential. Also, don't forget to watch out for head coach Elliot Steinmetz in this crucial year. There are some division changes, tough non-conference matchups, and the leadership of seniors Adi Markovich and Gabriel Landau to look forward to.
Divisional Changes:
Yeshiva is now in the Gold Division instead of the Black, a highly anticipated change that has been in the works for a while. The bright side of this is that YU will be saying goodbye to one Long Island trip each year. In the Skyline playoffs, the top team from each division gets the top two seeds, and either Yeshiva or Farmingdale State has been a top seed for several years. The February 3rd tilt against the Rams this year will be pivotal in determining that top seed.
A Stiff Non-Conference Schedule:
The non-conference schedule is, as always, challenging. The Macs will be facing stiff competition to start the season on November 8th. That's when they’ll face the University of Saint Joseph Connecticut, which was ranked #1 for most of last year. Despite losing some key players, they're still a threat. SUNY Oneonta is on YU's radar for November 11 at the Michael A. Freilich Tournament. They've brought in several transfers, making them a formidable opponent.
The NYU rematch is on November 18 in the Max Stern Athletic Center. They're ranked 9th in the D3hoops preseason poll and handed Yeshiva a 108-67 beating last year in Manhattan. They've added two Ivy League transfers and are coming off an NCAA tournament appearance.
Nichols College, who the Macs will be playing on November 19, made it to the elite eight last season and received the 28th most votes in the preseason poll. They've brought in talented transfers, including former D1 starter Mykel Derring.
Yeshiva also has a rematch with the Amherst Mammoths on December 3. They're known for their towering height, with three players standing at 6'10" or above, including a 7'1" big man, Charlie Randall.
The Macs will also look to avenge their previous defeat against Immaculata on December 20. The Mighty Macs stunned Yeshiva with a 69-63 win last season.
YU’s December 28 matchup against Hope College, a perennial D3 powerhouse, is highly anticipated. Their team has received much attention nationally over the recent years, and received the 39th most votes in the preseason poll.
Finally, the Macs will face Wesleyan University Connecticut on January 22, aiming to turn the tables after YU lost by a margin of 87-84 last year.
It's an exciting season ahead for the Yeshiva University Maccabees, and we anticipate seeing how they perform in both conference play and non-conference matchups. The quest for glory begins with a November 8 tilt at Saint Joseph Connecticut, with tip-off slated for 7 PM ET.
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