As the Israel National Team readies for their upcoming World Cup qualifies against Poland and at Estonia, Coach Guy Goodes made some fringe changes to his staff and brought aboard coach Nadav Zilberstein to serve as one of his assistants. The veteran bench boss spent many seasons with Nes Ziona and also works in High School basketball these days. The Sports Rabbi spoke to Zilberstein about the campaign ahead and what it means to him to be a part of the National Team program.

“To be a part of the Israel National Team is a very big honor and extremely exciting. We have a very big responsibility to reach the goals that we have set for ourselves. The work so far has been great and we have a wonderful staff from what I have seen up until now. I joined the team when Guy Goodes and Pini Gershon approached me about the opportunity and of course I agreed immediately because I believe that the National Team is a must.”

While the Israeli season is young, players around the league have been getting into optimal shape, with some in better condition than others, “Some players have begun the season well and some less so, it’s varies by individual. I am hoping that many of them will really get into the groove just as the new campaign begins. There is a very short period of time for everyone to get to know each other plus there is a new coach.”

As for the team’s upcoming goals, Zilberstein knows that the name of the game is to win, “The goal is always to succeed and win as many games as possible as they roll over to the next round so that is very significant. We have many options and there are things that may or may not happen. We are trying to hedge as much as we can and are looking at all of the positions where there might be issues in order to come in as prepared as possible.”