For 130 years, the traditional basketball net has not changed much at all, even though the sport itself has evolved quite a bit over the decades.
But now, Baltimore-born former basketball star Tamir Goodman and W Ventures, a venture capital and accelerator company based in Mount Washington, want to change all of that.
Through his Aviv sports innovation and apparel company, Goodman, 39, who now lives in Jerusalem with his wife and five children, has developed the first-ever moisture wicking and antimicrobial basketball net.
“With the new Aviv Net, players no longer need to handle a gross and slippery ball, enabling them to play smarter, safer and better,” reads a statement recently issued by W Ventures. “A major performance issue for players has always been handling or shooting a ball that is slippery. Now, during these dangerous Covid times, the new Aviv Net gives coaches, facilities and leagues a way to better ensure the health and safety of athletes, while ensuring they can perform at their peak.”
Jmore recently spoke to Goodman, dubbed the “Jewish Jordan” by Sports Illustrated in 1999, about the Aviv Net, which was used in its first professional basketball game in October during the FIBA Basketball Champions League game between Turkey and Jerusalem.
How did you first get involved in the development of a new basketball net?
During one of the COVID-19 lockdowns, I got a note from the basketball association where I was working that said when we begin practicing again, each player will need to bring their own ball due to germs being transferred on the ball.
I immediately thought that we should create a net that can clean the ball from germs and dry it from sweat.
What’s wrong with the old net model?
The nets are usually made from basic nylon and don’t offer antimicrobial and moisture wicking capabilities.
What makes a moisture wicking and antimicrobial basketball net a “game-changer”?
The dual action of the Aviv Net solves two problems. It reduces the bacteria on the ball, and it dries the ball from sweat. It’s very hard to shoot and dribble a ball that is slippery and covered in sweat.
How has the Aviv Net worked out with the recent FIBA Basketball Champions League so far?
The feedback has been incredibly positive from the players and coaches. They are very impressed with its functionality.
Do you think it will be used eventually in the NBA?
I really hope so. We are currently part of the NBA LaunchPad initiative, and I hope that we advance to the final round.
What makes the Aviv Net healthier and safer for players and coaches?
For players, it reduces the risk of coming into contact with germs and bacteria. For coaches, it helps them because they can be confident, they are putting their players in a better situation to play better and stay safer.
How did Aviv Sports get involved with the W Ventures?
David [Warschawski, managing partner of W Ventures] has been a dear friend and mentor of mine since high school. Through my involvement in the sports tech scene in Israel, I learned about W Ventures. It’s been an absolute pleasure and honor to work with them.
Do you miss Baltimore? How often do you return home?
Yes, I miss Baltimore very much and think about Baltimore every day. I’m also very thankful that I grew up in Baltimore. I try to visit once a year.
Do you still hear “the Jewish Jordan” nickname a lot?
Yes. Almost daily. I still feel uncomfortable when I hear it, but I try to use it as a tool to help other people, or to make connections and introductions for them.
What direction do you see Aviv Sports going in?
Our goal is to re-imagine sports equipment and gear as well as to inspire athletes of all levels and backgrounds. We hope to expand accordingly.
What else are you working on?
I’m in my eighth season working with the Hapoel Jerusalem pro basketball team. I’m also a sports tech consultant. I coach, have an elite basketball camp in July, and direct a nonprofit organization that uses basketball to inspire at risk youth including asylum seekers in Israel.
Other exciting projects I’m working on include a children’s book and documentary about my journey.
For information, visit avivsports.com.
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