The Jewish Link of New Jersey and The RAIN on Water Event Space would like to recognize 16-year-old Donny Book as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The sophomore at the Yeshiva University High School for Boys (MTA) has been a key contributor to the JV MTA Lions 4-0 season. Going into Tuesday’s game at Westchester, Book was averaging 16 points, nine rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game (including 21 points in the opener). When asked about his starting center, MTA JV coach Ushie Selevan told the JLNJ, “Donny is a pleasure to coach, his high basketball IQ makes him like a second coach on the floor. His ferocity on the boards make him an invaluable member of our team.”
Donny, congratulations on a great start to the season. Who is your role model and why?
All of my coaches throughout my basketball years as they really taught me how to play the game better and make me a better person.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is basketball because I really have an appreciation for the game. I can use my height and skills to dominate over the opponent.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
My greatest sports accomplishment so far in my career is going 3-3, 100% from 3 point range this past year in MGBL.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My earliest sports memory is when I was around 7 years old and I was at a Mets game. The game went to 16 innings and I begged my father to stay at the game and we did.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is Tim Duncan. He was an unstoppable force on both ends of the basket and I model my game after him.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports memory is when my mom flew me to LA and surprised me with tickets to the Lakers-Warriors game.
What is your pregame routine?
My pregame routine consists of tying my good friend Dani Wolk’s shoes, shooting 25 free throws and going over the game plan with my coaches.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
My favorite thing other than sports to do is hang out with my friends, play ping pong in Rabbi Konigsberg’s office (MTA students activities director) or buy and resell sneakers.
What is your weirdest sports memory?
Weirdest sports memory has to be when I went to the Mets game with Akiva Boyarsky and my father. We got scammed on tickets and we had to scramble to find other tickets. The tickets we ended up buying ended up being cheaper and better than the original ones.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best thing about being a Sportstar is being able to share it with my family and my teammates on the court—and the free gift card to the restaurants.
The RAIN on Water Event Space Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift certificate to any Teaneck restaurant of their choice. Please contact RAIN at 201.817.8100 to receive certificate. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and RAIN on Water Event Space Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
