Aaron Liberman – The Jewish ‘Dwight Howard’ Paves New Ground

Athletes come in all shapes, sizes and color.  Many are religious as well but when was the last time you saw a basketball prodigy wearing a yarmulke?  Don't get me wrong, this is a wonderful thing in my opinion and a wonderful way to share this young man's faith while doing what he loves to do but have you seen what Aaron Liberman can do?

Aaron Liberman can flat handle the rock...make no mistake about it.  The really cool thing though is this kid came from an 86 student jewish school in California that had students in class from 7:45AM to 5:45PM.  After class was over he would drive an hour away to work out in a gym with a college coach to do personal drills then practiced with his team from 9pm to 11pm.  {His school didn't have a gym.}

All his hard work paid off his Senior season as he averaged 18 points, 11 rebounds and nine blocks, leading Valley Torah to a shocking section championship in Southern California's lowest enrollment division.  That is when schools like USC, Boston College and several mid-majors came calling wanting him to play Division I ball but instead he chose to be part of the Northwestern program.

So why is any of this a big deal?  Because Aaron honors his faith by wearing the yarmulke during games and his intention will be to wear it during his college career and he may the first to do so and probably the first if he reaches his NBA dreams.

My thoughts?  BRAVO!  I love the idea that Aaron Liberman's first priority is his family and faith and he is not afraid of breaking barriers and stereotypes.

I am now a fan of Northwestern and will hope he gets some playing time as a Freshman.

GO Aaron!!!