Israeli basketball icon Mickey Berkowitz has been diagnosed with severe dementia, a revelation made public Monday evening through a Channel 12 documentary titled “Mickey Berkowitz’s Last Shot.” The family had kept the diagnosis private for over two years before choosing to disclose it shortly before Berkowitz received the Israel Prize for Outstanding Sports Achievement.
The documentary, directed by Niv Raskin, follows Berkowitz’s family as they navigate the challenges of his condition. In recent months, the legendary athlete has been residing in a care facility away from his home, with the film documenting how his loved ones are coping with his complex medical situation.
Berkowitz is widely considered Israel’s greatest basketball player. During his 16-season career with Maccabi Tel Aviv, he won two European Cups and 16 Israeli league championships. His accomplishments include leading the team to a historic European Cup victory in 1977 and winning tournament MVP honors at the 1979 European Championship with Israel’s national team. After his time at Maccabi Tel Aviv, he played for several other Israeli clubs before retiring as the second-leading scorer in Israeli Premier Basketball League history.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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