The Yeshiva University men’s basketball team achieved a remarkable 50-game win streak from 2019 to 2021, captivating Jewish fans across the nation. Now, Mayim Bialik, the Jewish actress and former “Jeopardy!” host, is bringing their story to the silver screen.
Bialik’s company, Sad Clown Productions, will produce “The Maccabees,” a film that will focus on the team’s coach, Elliot Steinmetz, and the players’ dedication to Judaism during their extraordinary winning streak. Deadline reports that Steinmetz, a lawyer who has coached the team since 2014, will be the central figure in the movie.
In a statement to Deadline, Bialik expressed her enthusiasm for the project and stressed the importance of sharing stories of Jewish ingenuity, perseverance, and resilience, particularly in the face of increasing antisemitism. The film’s writer, Matt Ritter, also hopes that “The Maccabees” will help dispel negative perceptions of Jews, especially at a time of heightened antisemitism.
Steinmetz, the coach himself, acknowledged his awareness of the project, but is not heavily involved and declined to comment further. During their historic winning streak, Y.U. garnered significant national attention, with their streak becoming the longest active winning streak in men’s college basketball at the time.
One of the team’s standout players, Ryan Turell, continued his basketball career by playing two seasons with the Motor City Cruise, becoming the first Orthodox Jew in the NBA’s minor league, known as the G League. Turell is now set to play professionally in Israel’s top basketball league. His journey was also featured in an Amazon Prime documentary last year about the G League.
This project is not just another movie— it is a celebration of not only the winning streak, but also a representation of Jewish athletes breaking stereotypes and making their mark in the sports world. It is a reminder of the extraordinary achievements of the Yeshiva University’s basketball team and their coach, and the resilience and dedication they have shown in the face of numerous challenges.
In conclusion, “The Maccabees” is not just a film about basketball. It is a testament to the determination and passion of the players, their coach, and the entire Yeshiva University community. Their story is one that deserves to be told, and we are excited to see their journey unfold on the big screen.
The production of “The Maccabees” is not just a creative endeavour, it is also an opportunity to celebrate and support the rich history and achievements of Jewish athletes. It is a chance to inspire and motivate others, and to challenge stereotypes in the world of sports. The film promises to be a powerful and meaningful representation of the Y.U. Maccabees’ historic success, and we eagerly await its release.