Josh Friedkin Returns to UPB After Winning a Championship in Israel

By: Dylan Tehada

Coach Josh Friedkin is making his long awaited return to the Unlimited Potential Basketball Training Facility after wrapping up his most recent season playing ball overseas in Israel for Migdal HaEmek. After winning his third straight championship playing abroad, Friedkin seeks to impart the wisdom and experience he acquired in his most recent season to the young hoopers at UPB.

This past season Friedkin made his debut for an up and coming division three Migdal HaEmek team in Israel. His arrival was accompanied with lofty goals as his team sought to be promoted to division two. In overseas professional leagues, there are various divisions of teams separated by historical performance. As teams string together successful seasons and win championships, they are rewarded with climbing the ladder and being promoted to higher divisions. In order for Migdal HaEmek to be promoted to division two, they had to win the championship, and Friedkin played a key role in making this lofty team goal a reality.

As Friedkin led his team to the pinnacle in his first season, he also elevated his skillset on and off the court. A big part of Friedkin’s success throughout his professional career is his ability to maintain focus on his game and shut out the external distractions. This ability to adapt and stay focused on his game makes Friedkin the perfect fit for any team he joins.

“I really had to focus mentally on being able to prepare myself to kind of shut down everything around me and when I step on the court, be able to be with the guys who are on the court there, and be focused and connected with all those guys,” Friedkin said.

Friedkin’s love and dedication to the game of basketball is felt by everyone he encounters. His passion for the game has sprouted into what has become a very successful professional career overseas. He has embraced the unconventional path of continuing his basketball career and finds joy in doing what he loves most. His story is a perfect example that through hard work and dedication to the game not only can you elevate your game, but you can also prolong your career and pave your own path in basketball. The key to Friedkin’s success throughout his career: focusing on the process over the results.

“The reason I'm able to keep [playing basketball] is because I love the process more than I love the results. The process of getting better and training every day and having something to work for and a goal to try to achieve, and being the best player I can be every year,” Friedkin said. “When you're doing something that you love, to me, that is a successful profession and a successful life.” 

As Friedkin makes his return to UPB he is looking forward to sharing this sentiment with the UPB community and helping young athletes achieve their basketball dreams. We are excited for everything that is in store for Coach Josh and are looking forward to the next steps in his basketball journey!