On Wednesday, May 20, former NBA first round pick and college star John Wallace visited MTA for a question-and-answer and autograph session. Wallace’s visit was a reward from the “Amar’e Saves” campaign of United Hatzalah of Israel to the MTA students, recognizing them for their achievement in having the most members participating of any yeshiva high school. The “Amar’e Saves” campaign raised close to $500,000. Wallace, who led the 1996 Syracuse Orange team to the NCAA National Championship game against the Kentucky Wildcats, and who played seven seasons of NBA basketball including two stints with the Knicks, entertained the MTA audience with stories from his college and pro career. He spoke of Michael Jordan’s trash talking ways, the toughest opponents he has ever defended (Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon and Karl Malone) and what it was like to hear his name called by former NBA Commissioner David Stern at the NBA Draft. Wallace also explained the benefit of hard work and careful decision making.