Eric Gingold

Gingold is a 7'4" center who was a member of the United States basketball team at the 2001 Maccabiah Games -- where the U.S. won the gold medal for the first time since 1985. In high school, Eric was awkward and uncoordinated and did not even start for the team despite being over 7' tall! While at tiny Williams College, Gingold began training harder and although his development was slow (he appeared in only 22 games in three years), he began to get into shape and became more comfortable with his body. In 1996, Eric was the talk of the NBA as he worked out for 35 NBA scouts. Although he was not drafted that year, he joined the Chicago Bulls' training camp. Gingold is still working towards his dream of competing in the NBA.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. Dec. 26, 1973

Career Highlights:
Despite being seven-feet tall by his senior year in high school, Eric played sparingly because his skills were underdeveloped. After high school, Gingold decided to attend Williams College, a small Division III school. At Williams, Gingold continued to play basketball, but only appeared in 22 games over three years. During that time, however, he continued to learn the game, and worked very hard to get into shape and become more comfortable with his body on the basketball court.

In 1994, Gingold was set to transfer to West Virginia as a walk-on. Joining the Big East team was a great step forward in Gingold's career, but misfortune struck before he got the opportunity. Driving his car that Labor Day weekend, Gingold was cut off by a van, resulting in a horrific accident. Unconscious for many minutes, Eric would later need nine operations and eight blood transfusions, but he did not give up his dream.

Although he never played a minute for West Virginia, Gingold continued to work at improving his skills on the court. He returned to Williams, but did not play on the team. Instead he worked and trained independently with his agent, Larry Gillman. In 1996, Eric declared himself eligible for the NBA Draft. A number of teams sent scouts to watch him work out and many came away impressed, but were worried because he had so little competitive experience. Although he was not drafted, Gingold signed with the Chicago Bulls in September 1996, and they invited him to their training camp. Gingold remained with the Bulls until October 27, three days before the season opener.

Despite the disappointment of not making the NBA, Gingold has continued to play. He played in Israel for Maccabi Tel Aviv in 1997-98, and was a teammate of Doron Sheffer and Nadav Henefeld as they won the Israeli League title. Eric is currently playing professionally in Belgium, and was a member of the U.S. team at the 2001 Maccabiah Games.

Origin:
North Caldwell, New Jersey

Physical description:
7'4", 300 pounds