The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Gotham Burger would like to recognize TABC’s Gavi Smith as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Earlier this month Gavi Smith nailed a clutch “3” with just under 3 seconds left in overtime. This shot propelled TABC to a Tier 1 qualifying win in the Saracheck Tournament. When asked about Smith, TABC coach Robert Hoenig told the JLNJ, “Gavi is a pleasure to coach and an asset to the team. He is a great teammate and is always working on improving his game.”
Gavi congrats on the huge shot.
Who would you say is your role model?
My role model is most definitely my dad. He is the man I look up to for everything, whether it’s for advice or for help on the court. He is really the true MVP.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
My favorite athlete has got to be LeBron James. My family is from Cleveland so growing up there were no other good Cleveland teams. Until LeBron came, and dominated. He makes playing basketball look like a walk in the park. The way he carries himself on and off the court is really something special. I love watching that man play.
What is your pregame routine?
Before every game I try to listen to loud happy music. I like to get pumped up so upbeat music really puts me into the zone. It’s usually the same songs on repeat.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My earliest sports memory was probably when we won the seventh grade championships. I can remember the game like it was yesterday.
What is your greatest sports memory?
Greatest sports memory was hitting the game winning shot against RASG in the Red Saracheck Tournament. There was no greater feeling than seeing that ball go into the hoop and hearing the buzzer go off. Every kid, by the time they pick up a basketball, dreams about hitting a game winner, and for it to actually happen to me is the greatest feeling ever.
What is your funniest sports memory?
I don’t really have a funniest sports memory, but I always have a lot of fun on the court playing against friends from other schools. It’s really fun in between possessions talking to the opposing teams or talking to the fans during games.
What do you like to do when not playing ball?
My favorite thing to do while I’m not playing sports is either hanging out with friends or playing video games. It doesn’t matter what school they are from as long as I’m hanging out with kids, I am having fun. When I’m not hanging out with friends I am playing video games nonstop. Quality way to pass time.
What is the greatest thing about being a sportstar?
Greatest thing about being sports star of the week is that first of all it’s a very special honor, but I couldn’t have done it without the help of my teammates. But honestly I like the bragging right the most.
The Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week will receive a $10 gift certificate to Gotham Burger. Please send nominees for next week’s Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
