Knitted news24.12.22 21:57 L. in Kislo Tishpeg
Photo: Orrling
Baruch Dayan the truth. Willie Sims, one of the stars of Maccabi Tel Aviv in the eighties and nineties, and one of the symbols of Maccabi Tel Aviv, passed away at the age of 64.
Sims’ grandmother converted and he was born Jewish in the borough of Queens in New York. In later interviews he always said that he was black, Jewish and Israeli. He immigrated to Israel at the age of 22 and played for Maccabi in the USA team uniform with which he won the gold medal, together with David Blatt. The two immigrated to Israel and played for the Maccabi Haifa team under the guidance of coach Shimi Rieger.
After a successful season at Maccabi Haifa, he signed with Hapoel Tel Aviv, with whom he won the state cup (83/84), and after two years he moved to Elizur Netanya – the newcomer to the first league, which, together with Sims, reached the playoff final. Following the achievements, the vote came from Maccabi Tel Aviv, which he joined in the 87/88 season, a team in which Berkovic, Arosti, Jamchi and Maggi played. In the first season, the team reached the final of the European Champions Cup but lost in the final. Purim
The move most associated with Sims, which testifies to his sacrifice in defense, was the blocking of San Epifanio from Barcelona, in the away game. With Maccabi leading by 2, 10 seconds to go, San Epifanio threw for a three, Sims blocked it and ran for a burst that ended in a foul. In the end, Maccabi won by three points. This was also his last season at Maccabi. From there he moved to Hapoel Eilat, where he also served as an assistant coach and in the 95/96 season announced his retirement.
Willie Sims at Maccabi Tel Aviv (Photo: Moshe Shai/Flash90)
Willie Sims at Maccabi Tel Aviv (Photo: Moshe Shai/Flash90)
Throughout his career, he demonstrated sportsmanship, leadership and badassery in the locker room, and everyone who played with him and against him always testified to his winership and fairness.
After retirement, he founded with his Israeli wife Ariela, a gym in Pardes Hana, and raised generations of exercisers. His daughter Daniel married Israel national team captain Gal Mekel – the second Israeli in the NBA, who recently retired.
Four months ago he had a severe heart attack, and on Friday, he died at the age of 64.
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