Israel Sheinfeld, center for the Wright State University men's basketball team, will forgo his final year of eligibility and sign a professional contract, Raider head coach Ed Schilling announced today.

Sheinfeld, a 6-11, 260-pound native of Tel Aviv, Israel, will play this summer, following the spring quarter, in the Superior League in Puerto Rico before looking for pro opportunities in his homeland. This league, which is currently underway features current and former NBA players and oversees professionals who spend three months each summer sharpening their skills in a highly competitive environment. The second-team all conference performer last year averaged 14.7 points and 6.1 rebounds as the Raiders posted their best mark since 1992-93 at 18-10.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Israel," Schilling said. "and the entire WSU Basketball Family is happy for him. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. Israel played a very significant role in the improvement of this basketball program and we are very thankful for his contributions."

Sheinfeld came to Wright State in the fall of 1998 from his native country of Israel and helped the Raiders gradually improve each year, culminating in this past season's 18 wins.

He was a first-team selection as a sophomore when he averaged 17.0 points and 7.7 rebounds.

"I want to thank Coach Schilling, the staff and everyone at Wright State for the opportunity to grow as a person and player," Sheinfeld said. "I accepted the professional opportunity, considering my age, that I must pursue now. I intend to finish my degree at Wright State and I will always have a warm place in my heart for WSU."

"My development as a player has grown significantly through the last three years and thus increasing my earning potential. When I came to Wright State, I had little interest from professional teams but now, after three years at WSU, I have become highly sought after from the pro ranks. I would especially like to thank the coaches who have brought me to this place and I will never forget their patience and concern."

With the signing of Malcolm Andrews (Cincinnati, OH/Western Hills) in the fall, the Raiders currently have 11 scholarship players on roster for next year.

"Our team will take on a different personality without a pure center," Schilling said. We will rely on a 3-guard and 2-forward lineup, which is actually how most teams play in the MCC. We have a very solid nucleus of returning players, including MCC Newcomer of the Year Jesse Deister. Also, we are excited about the addition of the Doliboa brothers (Cain and Seth). This group has a very solid work ethic and has a strong competitive team attitude."

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Class Hometown (H.S./C.C.)
Malcolm Andrews G 5-10 150 Fr. Cincinnati, OH (Western Hills)
13 Joe Bills G 6-0 179 Jr. Zanesville, OH (Rosecrans)
13 Braden Bushman F 6-4.5 179 So. Gas City, IN (Mississinewa)
33 Jesse Deister G 6-3.5 195 Sr. Topeka, KS (Olathe Christian)
21 Michael Doles F 6-5.5 198 So. Richmond, VA (Meadowbrook)
11 Cain Doliboa G 6-7.5 200 Sr. Springboro, OH (Springboro)
15 Seth Doliboa G 6-7.5 191 So. Springboro, OH (Springboro)
12 Tyson Freeman G 6-0 173 Jr. Toledo, OH (Scott)
00 Vernard Hollins G 6-3.5 195 Jr. Ft. Wayne, IN (North Side)
40 Thomas Hope F 6-8.5 227 Jr. Waterloo, Ontario (Bluevale)
55 Ross McGregor C 6-9 228 Fr. Ft. Wayne, IN (North Side)

Career Stats and Highs

Year G-S FG FGA Pct. FT FTA Pct. Reb. Avg. Pts-Avg.
1999 27-1 40 74 .541 26 36 .722 94 3.5 6 9-4.0
2000 28-25 163 300 .543 147 190 .774 215 7.7 476-17.0
2001 29-27 142 239 .594 142 178 .798 178 6.1 427-14.7
Total 84-35 345 613 .563 315 404 .780 487
5.8 1012-12.0

Minutes Played: 40 vs Miami (12/19/00)
Field Goals Made: 12 vs Prairie View (12/16/99)
Three-Pointers Made: 1, seven times, most recently at Loyola (2/24/01)
Free Throws Made: 13 vs Alabama A & M (11/28/00)
Blocks: 4 vs Butler (1/9/99)
Assists: 3, three times, most recently at Cleveland State (2/8/01)
Steals: 5 at Texas-Pan American (11/27/99)
Points: 29, twice, vs Prairie View (12/16/99) & vs Alabama A & M (11/28/00)
Rebounds: 15 vs Tennessee State (1/3/00)