A battle of Jewish celebrities
When you see Sue Bird‘s name, it is rarely associated with the word “underdog”. But according to the Jewish celebrity bracket constructed by the University of Missouri’s Hillel, Bird is the extreme underdog. By extreme, I mean she is the no. 15 seed in a tough battle against the no. 2 seed, Adam Sandler.
In honor of a cancelled March Madness, we decided to create our own bracket of famous Jewish people. Pick your favorite or make the bracket in your own way. Each week, there will be a thread of Twitter polls and the winner will advance. We begin with the play-in games. pic.twitter.com/CR6Now2P3W
— Mizzou Hillel (@mizzouhillel) April 2, 2020
Bird is one of the most prominent names in the Jewish community and especially in sports. Even if you know nothing of basketball, you know who Sue Bird is.
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The Syosset, NY native, who hold Israeli citizenship, is one of the most decorated Jewish athletes in the world and her resumé speaks for herself.
Bird won two national championships with women’s college basketball powerhouse, the UConn Huskies which led to her being picked first overall in the 2002 WNBA draft to the Seattle Storm.
In her 18-year career, Bird has won three WNBA championships, is the all-time assists leader, an 11-time all-star and was voted a top-15 player in 15 years in 2011 and a top-20 player in 20 years in 2016.
Her accolades extend to the international level. She has four world champion gold medals and one bronze. But most notably, she has four Olympic gold medals and has her eyes set on a fifth come Tokyo 2021, all representing Team USA.
Bird isn’t done yet. Back in February, she re-signed with the Storm and is eager to bring Seattle their fourth championship.
Win or lose, Bird brings pride to the Jewish community and will continue to do so.
Sandler may have told the world to “put on your yarmulke” but it’s not Chanukah season. It’s basketball season (at least in theory) and Sue Bird is the word. Happy Passover to all who are celebrating.
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