Michal Epstein

True Character

Providence College's Michal Epstein
by Scott Granowitz

December, 2001 (Providence, RI)- College in the U.S. is usually a four-year experience where one not only earns a diploma, but also grows as a human being and learns about life. It's no different for Providence College (PC) basketball star Michal Epstein, who planned accordingly last summer even though the NCAA had other ideas about her amateur eligibility.

"It was always a dream to go to try something different by going to an American college," said Epstein, a 5-10 guard from Rehovot, Israel. "To experience the culture, have fun and play basketball."

Last summer Epstein, along with hundreds of other foreign players, were scrutinized by the NCAA regarding possible extra benefits and the participation in "professional" leagues.

Last year while finishing her mandatory 2-year stint in the army, Epstein participated in an NCAA designated "pro" league, though she was not paid due to an Israeli law preventing soldiers from earning salaries in any type of job, whether it be as a basketball player or a store clerk. This league in Israel, the senior league, is the only competitive form of basketball available for players of Epstein's talent and age in Israel. However, Epstein's amateur status, as designated by the Israeli league, was rejected last summer. PC's athletic department was notified that she would have to sit out the first 19 games of the season, based on her experience in the Israeli league, as a penalty for breaking the NCAA's strict amateurism guidelines.

"It was a hard decision to come to college," commented Epstein, about how the suspension affected her. "I asked myself if I really want to do this and if I can afford not playing 19 games."

The suspension of Epstein, along with hundreds of other foreigners who previously played with and against players who were paid (while they themselves were not paid) nationwide, was so controversial that the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) threatened a lawsuit. It certainly appeared as though the NCAA was applying rules by the "letter of the law" in 2001 as opposed to the "spirit of the law" as they had in the past as far back as 25 years ago.

After all, the international athletic system is quite different from the American system, which is mainly based within the school experience. Since the mid-1970's, over 40 Israeli men and women have played Division 1 basketball and in most cases previously played in the Israeli senior league.

While analyzing the plusses and negatives regarding college or becoming a full-time professional basketball player, Epstein finally concluded what was best for her long-term.

"I was waiting for a sign to tell me what to do and it never came," said Epstein. "Then one day I realized life is too short and I wouldn't have this opportunity [going to college] again. I planned to work on my game and get acclimated when sitting out the games."

Well, luckily with the help of the NABC, a compromise on the eligibility for the 2001-02 season regarding current and incoming freshmen was reached. Each player was now required to miss 20% of their original suspension or a maximum of eight games, which ever was less. So Epstein would now to sit out just the first four games of the Friar season.

"When I heard I only had to sit out four games I was so relieved," said Epstein.

Epstein had dreamed of coming to college for years. It would be a way to improve her game, meet new people, and get away from the high paced life often filled with fear that Israelis experience day to day.

Even though Epstein was eligible to earn money in the Israel league after her army stint, the money could wait for a more important league that you only get one chance to experience.

Six-year Providence head coach Jim Jabir was more than impressed.

"I don't know if impressed is the right word," said a happy Jabir. "I was very grateful and surprised. I think it also shows Michal's strength and character."

"I think a lot of people were telling her to stay and that it was a bad move and that it was stupid," continued Jabir. "She can be making a lot of money right now playing in Israel. I think it shows her maturity and the sense of what she wants and the ability to go get it."

Epstein, 20, was recruited by several colleges across the country, but chose PC for its close proximity to relatives in New York (her parents are originally from Brooklyn and made Aliyah 26-years-ago), a chance to compete in the BIG EAST Conference, an energetic coaching staff, and a top notch liberal arts program.

A member of Israel's national team, Epstein is known for her strong body, aggressiveness, penetration, and hard-nosed defense. This should help her against the UConn's and Notre Dame's.

"College basketball is more intense and harder [than Israel]," said Epstein after scoring 8 points in an important 78-75 home win over Alabama on December 2nd. "But that's good for me."

Things haven't been totally sweet. She's had to adjust to her new surroundings.

"Right now she's having a tough time adjusting," said Jabir. "You go to being a civilian, practicing, and hanging out with friends. And now your regimen is going to school and I think she is a little overwhelmed right now… She's very tired now, but will overcome."

Providence has a tough stretch of games coming up including a tournament in Montana and the conference schedule starting in January.

"Beating Alabama was a great win for the program and the school," said Epstein, who's averaging roughly 26-minutes. "I'm looking forward to playing other big schools like UConn [which sells out all of their home games at over 10,000 fans]… Right now you can't really feel it because not a lot of fans showed up today [250], but hopefully if we continue winning more fans will come."

With Epstein's character and PC's high-powered offense, you can be sure of it.