The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 16-year-old Yosef Zakon as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The Yeshiva University High School for Boys (MTA) junior, was a key contributor on this summer’s Silver Medal winning Maccabi team. Zakon averaged an impressive 15 points and six assists in the tournament. MTA Lions teammate Ikey Gutlove told the JLNJ, “Yosef is the type of player and teammate every team needs. He is always looking for ways he can improve his game individually, as well as finding ways for our team to be more successful. I am looking forward to sharing the backcourt with him this year on the MTA varsity team.”
Yosef, congratulations bringing home the silver medal. Who is your role model and why?
My parents because they support me in all my endeavors and encourage to work hard on and off the court in order to achieve greatness and to be the best I can be.
What is your favorite sport?
Basketball, because I love the intensity of the sport as well as the teamwork that needs to be infused in a team in order for them to be successful.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
My greatest sports accomplishment was being chosen to go overseas to represent Team USA in the 2019 Maccabi games.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Kyrie Irving because I love how devoted he is to improving his overall game, as well as his top caliber ball handling skills—which is why I try to model my game after him.
What is your pregame routine, if you have one?
Before each game my close friend and “agent” Gabe Berman and I put up shots.
What is your earliest sport memory?
My earliest sports memory was in first grade I went to play basketball in the gym with people older and more skilled than I was, yet I was determined to reach their level, which was when I decided I wanted to devote time to playing basketball.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not on the court?
My favorite thing to not do when playing sports is chilling with my friends and eating pizza with a fork and knife.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
Being recognized for all my hard work and dedication to the game of basketball.
The Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift at the Teaneck Doghouse. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
