Israel’s next big hope: Maayan Gorin aiming high with U18 National Team

Maayan Gorin, a 16-year-old point guard, is a key player for Israel's U18 National Team, currently competing in the European Championship in Tulcea, Romania. The team's primary goal is promotion to Division A, as it is the only Israeli youth squad currently in Division B. Gorin, who plays for Crestwood Preparatory College in Toronto, was a leader on last year's U16 team, averaging 20.0 points per game. She is currently second on the U18 team with 16.0 points per game. Gorin expressed, "It's an amazing feeling to represent Israel," and emphasized the team's objective: "Of course, to earn promotion to Division A, do the best we possibly can and play together as one team." She transitioned to basketball from soccer and developed her skills at the Gilboa/Maayanot youth department before moving to Canada for a stronger playing opportunity. Gorin aims to improve her game control and weak hand, with aspirations of playing college basketball and eventually joining the WNBA.