Over the long weekend, the 2023 Nunawading Basketball Tournament turned the courts into a high stakes playground for some of Australia’s most promising young talents. Among them was the bulk of the Australian boys’ squad for the Maccabi Pan American Games. The tournament served not just as a warm-up for the upcoming competition in Argentina’s capital this December-January, but also as an opportunity to solidify team chemistry and finesse strategies against some of the country’s top club teams.

The Maccabi team stood strong amidst the whirlwind of competitions, proving their worth against the best of the best. They secured a hard-fought 37-32 victory over the tenacious Blackburn Vikings in the U18 Boys’ C2 division. Despite some close losses, including a heartbreaking 47-48 defeat to the Westgate Imperials, the team showcased resilience, teamwork and the desire to continuously learn and improve.

During the memorable win over Blackburn, the Maccabi team found their leader in Harry Newett, who top-scored with 11 points. He was supported strongly by Joshua Strunin, who chipped in with 10 points, and Joel Rasanow and Gabriel Segal, both contributing a solid 6 points each.

These performances underline the team’s promising potential, as they prepare to embark on their journey to the Maccabi Pan American Games. The experience and exposure gained from the Nunawading tournament will undeniably play a crucial role in their preparation.

In related news, basketball enthusiasts have a golden opportunity to be part of a Maccabi Australia-hosted event that will feature Australian NBA star Josh Giddey, former NBL champion player Warrick Giddey, and player agent Daniel Moldovan. With limited seats available, this is an opportunity not to be missed for any basketball fan.

Esteemed basketball journalist and broadcaster, Tom Hersz, will be the moderator for the event, which promises to be a riveting evening filled with intriguing insights and anecdotes from the basketball world. The event is scheduled to kick off at 6.45 pm on Sunday, June 25, at a venue in Caulfield.

The 2023 Nunawading Basketball Tournament not only delivered an exciting spectacle of sporting prowess but also shaped the narrative of an Australian boys’ squad on their path to the Maccabi Pan American Games. As the team heads into the upcoming competition, they carry with them the lessons learnt, the thrill of victory, and the sting of defeat, turning them into an even stronger force to be reckoned with. Watch this space as we continue to track their journey.

Book for the Giddy event: https://www.trybooking.com/CHSRC

Credit: AJN