Basketball has long been dominated by players from countries known for producing elite athletes, but every once in a while, an exceptional player emerges from an unexpected background, reshaping the game’s landscape. Eban Hyams is one such figure. Born in Pune, India, to Jewish Indian parents, he has broken boundaries and forged an extraordinary path in the world of basketball.
As the first player of Indian origin to compete in the Union of European Leagues of Basketball (ULEB) and an impactful figure in both the Australian and global basketball scenes, Eban Hyams’ journey is a story of resilience, ambition, and an unwavering love for the game.
Eban Hyams: Early Life and Beginnings in Australia
Hyams’ story began in Pune, India, where he was born into a family with a unique cultural heritage. His parents, part of the Bene Israeli community, instilled a strong sense of identity and perseverance in him. His father, Erick Isaac Hyams, was a celebrated singer and guitarist with the popular Indian band Sweet Slag, a testament to the family’s creative spirit. Tragically, Erick passed away in 1989, leaving Eban to navigate his young life without his father’s guidance. However, the legacy of resilience would shape him in ways he couldn’t yet imagine.
Soon after his father’s death, Eban’s family relocated to Australia, where his mother remarried in 1996. Eban attended Saint John Paul College in Sydney, marking the beginning of his basketball journey. B
lessed with athletic talent, Eban Hyams quickly excelled in sports, eventually earning the captaincy of his school team. Through hard work and dedication, Eban Hyams made his way into the New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges (NSW CCC) state tryouts. This early achievement marked a significant step, setting the stage for an incredible career.
Rising Star in Australia’s Basketball Scene
Eban Hyams’s first professional foray was with the Penrith Panthers in Australia’s Waratah League, part of the Australian Basketball Association (ABA). From 1999 to 2002, he showcased his skill and versatility, averaging 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists per game. His performance caught the attention of basketball enthusiasts and scouts, making him a notable player in the Australian basketball circuit.
The impressive statistics he posted and his consistent performances were only a preview of his potential. His passion and dedication for the game were evident, and Eban’s name started to make waves. He wasn’t just another player; he was a standout talent with the skill set to compete at higher levels.
Venturing to the United States for Junior College
In 2002, Eban’s journey took him across the globe to the United States, where he played junior college basketball in Georgia. Starting at the College of Coastal Georgia and then moving to Georgia Perimeter College, he sharpened his skills in an intensely competitive environment. Although junior college basketball didn’t come with the same fanfare as top-tier programs, it provided Eban with a platform to develop his game and expand his horizons in a new and challenging environment.
Returning to Australia and Expanding His Horizons
After his time in the United States, Eban Hyams returned to Australia, where he continued his professional career with the Hornsby Spiders in the ABA. In 2005, he achieved significant popularity as a streetball player, taking on the moniker “Do It All” in the AND1 Mixtape Tour’s Asia Pacific circuit. His dynamic playing style and impressive stats—averaging 18 points and 5 rebounds—captured the attention of fans and added a new dimension to his growing reputation.
During this period, Eban Hyams also reconnected with his Jewish heritage, participating in the Maccabiah Games in Israel and leading his Australian team to a fourth-place finish. His commitment to his roots and his pride in his heritage added another layer of depth to his identity as an international athlete.
Breaking Ground with the Singapore Slingers and ULEB Competitions
In 2006, Eban Hyams joined the expansion team Singapore Slingers in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), becoming the first Indian player to compete in this prestigious league. His talent earned him a spot on both the International All-Star and Rookie All-Star teams, cementing his status as a groundbreaking figure in professional basketball. His achievements in the NBL placed him in a category of his own, and he became a source of pride for Indian and Jewish communities worldwide.
Eban Hyams continued to excel in the ABA, joining the Bankstown Bruins and earning a three-year contract with Israel’s Galil Elyon Goba. He would go on to represent Israel in the ULEB competitions, making history as the first player of Indian origin to play in the league. His journey was an inspiration to countless aspiring athletes who saw in him the possibilities of what could be achieved with determination and passion.
Overcoming Setbacks: Injury, Illness, and Resilience
Eban Hyams’s path was not without challenges. In 2008, he suffered a hand injury while visiting family in Sydney. Due to a misdiagnosis, his recovery took eight months longer than expected, and he had to pursue a medical negligence lawsuit to receive justice. Despite the setback, he returned to form, playing for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and earning a spot on the Hoopdreamz Great White Sharks, representing Australia in the Goodwill Games in the Philippines.
However, life threw him yet another curveball when Eban Hyams contracted dengue fever in 2011 while training with the Indian national basketball team. After hospitalization and three months of bed rest, Eban found himself at yet another crossroads. He faced these setbacks with courage and resilience, refusing to let adversity end his career prematurely.
NBA Outreach and Return to the United States
Eban’s love for the game extended beyond personal accolades. In 2012, following his recovery, he took on the role of Manager of Basketball Operations for the NBA in India. His position involved developing grassroots programs like the Mahindra NBA Challenge and working to popularize basketball in India. He served as a bridge between two cultures, introducing the sport he loved to thousands of Indian youths.
In 2013, Eban returned to the United States to pursue his dream of playing professionally. He participated in the NBA Development League tryouts, training with teams like the Tulsa 66ers, Reno Bighorns, Los Angeles D-Fenders, and Texas Legends. Although he didn’t secure a long-term position, his drive and willingness to challenge himself in one of the world’s most competitive basketball environments were admirable.
Legacy and Current Endeavors
As of 2024, Eban is passing on his knowledge and passion for basketball as a coach at Waverley College. His dedication to coaching and inspiring young players reflects his commitment to the sport. Working with potential future stars, such as predicted 2027 NBA draft picks Christopher Wellington and Larry Green, he is shaping the next generation of basketball talent.
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