Ben Tanoff, who is entering his first year as Assistant Coach on Bryan Bender's men's basketball staff, will serve as the head coach for the United States' U18 3-on-3 team at the upcoming 21st Maccabiah Games in July. This will be the first time that the USA will be sending a U18 3-on-3 team to compete in the Maccabiah Games.

"It is an absolute honor to have been selected to coach the U18 3-on-3 team at this summer's Maccabiah Games," said Coach Tanoff. "Being a Jewish coach is something very important to me and I do not take this appointment lightly. Our team this summer is particularly special as it is the first summer team USA is sponsoring a U18 3-on-3 team. I look forward to the athletic and Judaic journey ahead, culminating in bringing home the gold and silver medals."

Tanoff, who will be coaching both 3-on-3 teams entered in the competition, came to Ellsworth from Presbyterian College (an NCAA division I school in the Big South Conference) where he served one year as the Director of Basketball Operations. Prior to that, he served as the Director of Recruiting for Georgia Tech men's basketball, working for fellow Jewish basketball coach Josh Pastner.

The Maccabiah Games, which take place every four years, began in 1932 with 390 athletes from 18 countries. By the 20th Maccabiah Games held in 2017, nearly 10,000 Jewish athletes from more than 75 countries competed, making it the third largest international multi-sport event in the world behind only the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.

Opening ceremonies for this year's games take place on July 14 at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem.

To read the official Maccabi USA press release about the appointment of Coach Tanoff and the roster release, please visit: https://maccabiusa.com/maccabi-usa-announces-inaugural-u18boys3v3-basketball/