Jewish Athletes in Spotlight: Avdija Shines, Free Agents Seek Homes, and Weekend Matchups Await

As January comes to a close and February approaches, the sports world is brimming with anticipation. Baseball’s preseason is just days away, with pitchers and catchers set to report to Spring Training on February 10.

Meanwhile, several high-profile Jewish free agents, including Alex Bregman, Harrison Bader, Kevin Pillar, and Rowdy Tellez, are still searching for new teams as Opening Day draws near.

Deni Avdija’s Breakout Performance in Portland

Israeli NBA forward Deni Avdija has made headlines with a standout performance for the Portland Trail Blazers. Traded from the Washington Wizards before the season, Avdija’s transition to Portland was expected to be challenging.

However, he defied expectations on Tuesday, dropping 30 points and grabbing nine rebounds in a decisive 125-112 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Despite a season in which his overall statistics have dipped, Avdija has recently hit a hot streak. Since returning from a brief injury absence on January 19, he has been averaging 19.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.

His performance against Milwaukee marked his first 30-point game of the season and the 16th of his career.

Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups called Avdija’s performance his “best game” since joining the team. “I’ll give it to him if he thinks that,” Avdija said in response.

“I believe him. I feel like I just try to help the team every game. But I don’t know why today made it like, my best performance, but I’ll go with it.”

High School Basketball Coach Suspended Over Palestinian Flag Incident

A high school basketball coach in Colorado has been suspended following an incident on January 22 in which he displayed a Palestinian flag near the court during a game against the Denver Academy of Torah. The coach also reportedly refused to shake hands with the Jewish day school’s coach after the game.

The school administration condemned the act, with secondary principal Ermek Bakyt stating, “That coach’s single act doesn’t represent what we stand for. This was an isolated incident, and we took action immediately.”

University of Florida Closes Investigation Into Basketball Coach Todd Golden

The University of Florida has officially closed its four-month Title IX investigation into men’s basketball coach Todd Golden, finding no evidence of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, or stalking.

Golden, a former Maccabiah Games player and coach, continues to lead the Gators to an impressive season, boasting an 18-2 record and a No. 5 ranking in the AP Top 25 poll.

Philadelphia Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie Eyes Celtics Purchase

Jeffrey Lurie, owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, is reportedly interested in acquiring the Boston Celtics, the reigning NBA champions.

A Boston native and former Brandeis University student, Lurie previously attempted to purchase the New England Patriots and has long been connected to Boston’s sports scene.

Remembering Jeff Torborg

Former MLB player and manager Jeff Torborg, known for catching Sandy Koufax’s perfect game in 1965, passed away on January 19 at age 83.

Torborg played ten seasons in the major leagues before managing five different teams across 11 seasons. His reflections on Koufax’s historic game remained an integral part of his legacy.

Israeli Hockey Team Secures Silver at IIHF U20 Championship

Israel’s national U20 hockey team took home the silver medal at the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey U20 World Championship Division II Group B in Belgrade, Serbia.

Israeli forward Mike Levin led the tournament with seven goals and 11 points in five games, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the sport.

UFC President Condemns Fighter’s Controversial Comments

UFC president Dana White strongly condemned featherweight fighter Bryce Mitchell’s recent comments defending Adolf Hitler. White labeled the remarks as “the worst” he had ever heard in the sport but confirmed that Mitchell would not face disciplinary action.

Instead, he encouraged fans who disagree with Mitchell’s views to root against him in future fights. “For all of you who hate Bryce Mitchell, you get to see him hopefully get his ass whooped on global television,” White remarked.

Jewish Athletes to Watch This Weekend

Hockey:

• Jordan Harris (Columbus Blue Jackets) faces Utah on Friday at 9 p.m. ET.
• Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins) and Adam Fox (New York Rangers) meet on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
• Zach Hyman (Edmonton Oilers) plays against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.
• Jason Zucker (Buffalo Sabres) and brothers Jack and Luke Hughes (New Jersey Devils) clash on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
• Aerin Frankel (Boston Fleet) takes on Abbey Levy and Elle Hartje (New York Sirens) on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.

Basketball:

• Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings) faces the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. Despite leading the NBA in rebounds per game (14.5), Sabonis was snubbed from the All-Star Game.
• Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers) hosts the Phoenix Suns on Saturday at 10 p.m. ET.
• Amari Bailey (Iowa Wolves, G League) takes on the Maine Celtics on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.

Soccer:

• Manor Solomon (Leeds United) faces Cardiff City on Saturday at 10 a.m. ET.
• Matt Turner (Crystal Palace) plays against Manchester United on Sunday at 9 a.m. ET.

Golf:

• Max Homa and Max Greyserman are competing in the PGA Tour’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am this weekend in California.

As February begins, Jewish athletes continue to make their mark across multiple sports, with key performances, career transitions, and historic moments shaping the landscape of professional and collegiate athletics.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members