Rhamel Brown’s future is blossoming on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, as his legacy back home is growing as well.
The Brownsville native and former Manhattan College star watched the Jaspers reach a second-straight NCAA tournament while he makes a name for himself playing in Israel.
Brown was part of a senior group that led the Bronx school to its first Big Dance since 2004 a year earlier. Manhattan repeating as MAAC champions only furthered the winning culture Brown and his teammates left behind.
“It makes it much more special because we know we left a foundation behind,” Brown said. “It wasn’t just a great team for that one year. We put together and brand and a program that can last for a long time.”
With his alma mater continuing to flourish, Brown did the same. He enjoyed a successful first season playing overseas for Maccabi Hod Hasharon in the Israeli national league. He started at center and averaged 11.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. It was a superb experience getting his first taste of pro ball.
“I met some great people,” Brown said. “Got to play in a great country. It was just a different experience and I value it a lot.”
There were a number of adjustments he had to make — both on the court and culturally. The 6-foot-7 Brown was away from home for a long period for the first time in his life. He went to high school at East New York Transit Tech, and then college in the Riverdale section of the Bronx.
The style of play in Israel is different from in the States, and he needed to overcome a language barrier to interact with his new teammates. Brown, who is known for his shot blocking and defense, was asked to put the ball on the floor and push it in transition against less athletic bigs. It took some time to get accustomed to everything before things fell into place.
“They wanted me to do that a little more because I had a speed advantage,” Brown said. “I’m smaller than most fives.”
One thing that did make life a little easier was the FIBA goaltending rule. Unlike in the NBA, FIBA rules allow players to knock the ball off the rim after it touches the cylinder without being called for a violation. It was something the already dominant Brown adjusted to and used to his advantage guarding the basket.
“I never really blocked shots once they get to the rim,” Brown said. “Being able to do that helps me a little bit.”
Brown did all this while he enjoyed seeing his former teammates having success at Manhattan, continuing the legacy he left behind.
“I am so proud of those guys,” Brown said. “I know they had the capability of doing it because they are so talented. They played so together. They are just a hard-working bunch of guys, and I am so proud of them.”
