Nadav Henefeld

Nadav Henefeld and UConn

Winners On the Court and Off
by Scott Granowitz

August, 2002
Mohegan Sun Casino
Uncasville, Connecticut

Summer is the season for reunions and bringing family together. This was more than ever the case on August 10th at the Jim Calhoun Celebrity Classic and All-Star Game. The alumni basketball game at the Mohegan Sun Arena was watched by a near sellout of 9,492 and brought together many of the stars that have played for Coach Calhoun during his legendary era at the University of Connecticut.

Proceeds from the game and a golf tournament went to benefit cardiology research at the UConn Health Center. In attendence included NBA stars Clifford Robinson, Ray Allen and Richard Hamilton - and not to be forgoten - the loveable Israeli Connection of Nadav Henefeld and Doron Sheffer.

"They're two of my favorite people of all-time," commented Calhoun on the impact the Israelis had on his program and the university.

The closeness and family atmosphere that the Storrs campus provides was evident in why there was such a great turnout.

"For every player here it was a simple phone call to get them to come to play for a good cause," said Calhoun. "UConn basketball is very special in our state. They're thrilled to see each other again."

The game ended in a 107-104 victory for the "blue squad" (featuring the Israelis) over the "white squad". Henefeld and Sheffer received among the loudest ovations in the pre-game introductions. 2002 NBA draft-pick Caron Butler was named the MVP.

But the occasion was more about returning home and in the case of Henefeld, a way for the fans to "officially" say goodbye and thanks for the memorable 1990 "Dream Season" in which UConn burst onto the national scene for the first time.

Henefeld unexpectingly left the Huskies that August after his only season mainly due to the financial and loyal pressures applied by the Israeli champion Maccabi Tel-Aviv and the national team. His 138 steals in 1990 is a NCAA rookie record that still stands. UConn won the conference and advanced to the "Elite Eight".

"It was the first time we won the Big East Tournament," said Henefeld about that special season. "It made it so great."

The occasion and happiness in the arena overwhelmed him.

"I didn't expect all these people to be here," said Henefeld. "It's the first time we're all together and more than ever it's the first time I get to see all the fans that I haven't see in years. I think that connection was created the year I was here."

Sheffer, who played three seasons for the Huskies from 1993-96, used the game as a way to test a possible comeback after retiring two years ago from the pro ranks to travel the world on a spiritual mission.

"He's getting stronger after some medical problems [testicular cancer diagnosed a year ago which has since cured]," said Calhoun. "This game may be his sparkplug, playing with his former teammates. He's in a comfortable environment."

Headed in an opposite direction, Henefeld is contemplating retirement after a contract squabble with Maccabi Tel-Aviv in July.

"This could be his last game but I hope not," said Calhoun. "I think he could contribute when he's 50-years-old as he is such a smart player. And I think Maccabi knows that all those years when he was averaging eight to nine points he was helping Maccabi win all those times."

Henefeld and Sheffer are two symbols of UConn basketball that will never be forgotton. They brought pride to the Jewish-American community and broke stereotypes brought on by the Middle East conflict that the public for the most part only sees on their television screens.

"I can tell you that in this state anyone who has watched them or covered them will tell you that they're not only two very special basketball players but two very special people," stated Calhoun.

"I don't think there's a person who hasn't said great things about Nadav and Doron. Their loyality is beyond belief. I still talk with them on a monthly basis."

Loyalty, family, and coming home. That's what has made UConn basketball the success it is.