Sheffer, Doron

Sheffer was nicknamed the 'Israeli Ice Man' after leading Galil Elyon to the Israeli National Championship in 1992-93. One of the most popular and respected players in Israeli basketball, he shocked the Israeli basketball world in the fall of 2000 by retiring unexpectedly.

Then, just as suddenly, Sheffer returned to the team on January 12, 2003. He said at a press conference following his first practice with the team that his "...heart told me to come back... I think it's going to be an interesting experience for me and I can't wait to play."

In July, 2003, Sheffer left Maccabi Tel Aviv and signed with Hapoel Jerusalem. He said of the move, "If there's a spiritual center in the world, it's Jerusalem... and if there's a place for me to continue my spiritual search, it's Jerusalem." Doron helped Jerusalem to its first European title in the ULEB cup. On April 13, 2004, Hapoel convincingly defeated Euro powerhouse Real Madrid in the final 83-72 as the guard scored 15 points.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. March 12, 1972

Career Highlights:
The Israeli League MVP in 1992-93 after averaging 13.6 points and 5.8 assists, Sheffer arrived in the United States to play at the University of Connecticut. UConn's starting point guard for three seasons, he and current NBA player Ray Allen formed one of the most formidable backcourts in the nation. As a sophomore in 1993-94, Doron started all 34 games and was named Big East Rookie of the Year after averaging 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game; he also led the Huskies with 50 three-pointers and 79 steals. In 1994-95, he was named All-Big East second team after averaging 11.1 points, 5.5 assists, and 1.52 steals per game.

Sheffer's senior season at UConn was his best; he was named All-Big East second team for the second consecutive year after averaging a career high 16.0 points per game. He tied the single-season school record with 212 assists, led the team with 65 steals, and finished second in the Big East (behind Ray Allen) with 95 three-pointers; he also recorded a triple-double against Hartford. The Huskies had a record of 32-3, won the Big East Tournament title, and advanced to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen for the third consecutive year.

Doron finished his career as only the second player in UConn history (with Tate George) to score more than 1,200 points (1,329), and pass for more than 500 assists (559). His 559 career assists are third all-time in school history and his 5.5 assists-per-game average is the highest at Connecticut. In 1996, Sheffer was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round of the NBA draft (36th overall), but because they did not offer a guaranteed contract right away, he returned to play professionally in Israel.

Origin:
Israel

Physical description:
6'5", 197 pounds

< Previous |  Next >