Danny Wolf

Danny Wolf, born on May 5, 2004, is a Jewish-American basketball player. He gained prominence during his collegiate career and is focusing on the National Basketball Association (NBA) draft. Wolf showcased his talent on the court at Yale University and the University of Michigan and represented Israel in international competitions.

Wolf’s connection to his Jewish identity is a significant aspect of his life. Raised by Jewish parents, he attended a Solomon Schechter Jewish day school where he studied Hebrew and biblical lessons until the fifth grade. He observes kashrut at home and while traveling. A significant moment in his upbringing was his bar mitzvah, which he celebrated with his two brothers at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

His basketball journey began in prep school, starting at Lake Forest Academy in his home state of Illinois, before transferring to Northfield Mount Hermon in Massachusetts. During his senior year (2021-2022), he contributed to the team’s successful season, including a Founders League title and a run to the NEPSAC Class AAA Tournament championship game. His performance earned him a nomination for the McDonald’s All-American team.

In college, Wolf first played for Yale University from 2022 to 2024. He was recognized as the Rookie of the Year with the John C. Cobb Award. He earned First Team All-Ivy League honors in his sophomore season (2023-2024). He was named the Most Valuable Player of the Ivy League Tournament, leading Yale to victory and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. During his time at Yale, particularly following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Wolf experienced instances of anti-Semitism, including targeted chanting and the display of Palestinian flags at a game against Dartmouth.

A notable aspect of Wolf’s identity is his Israeli citizenship, which he obtained in 2023. That same year, he proudly represented Israel at the FIBA U20 European Championship in Greece. He led the tournament in rebounding, averaging 12 rebounds per game, and was second in scoring with an average of 17.7 points per game, which helped the team secure a silver medal. His performance in the championship game included 17 points and 16 rebounds, and he was named to the European Championships All-Star Five. Wolf expressed that representing Israel was a significant experience, connecting him to his Jewish heritage and beliefs in a way he had not experienced before.

For the 2024-2025 season, Wolf transferred to the University of Michigan. His impact was immediate and significant, as he played and started in all 37 games. He averaged 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, showcasing his versatility as a 7-foot center with impressive passing and shooting skills. His rebounding prowess was particularly noteworthy, as he recorded the most rebounds by a Michigan player since Chris Webber in the 1992-93 season. He earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors and was instrumental in Michigan’s Big Ten Tournament victory. He earned a spot on the All-Tournament team and helped the team advance to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. His exceptional season also led to his being named a finalist for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award.

As the 2024-2025 season concluded, reports indicated that Danny Wolf would forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the NBA draft scheduled for the summer. Draft experts have expressed excitement about his abilities, with some projections placing him as a potential first-round pick. 

Wolf’s journey is notable for his athletic achievements and his open embrace of his Jewish and Israeli identity in high-level basketball, often highlighting the rarity of practicing Jewish athletes in the sport. He remains resolute in his pride and aims to inspire others through his example. His coach at Michigan, Dusty May, noted Wolf’s pride in his religion and faith and believes he will continue to represent his family and heritage at the highest levels of basketball.

Sources: “Danny Wolf,” University of Michigan.
Mitch Albom, “Danny Wolf is a rare breed — proud Jewish 7-foot star who plays like a guard,” Detroit Free Press, (March 9, 2025).
Amy Huschka, “Who is Danny Wolf? 5 things to know about the Michigan basketball forward,” Detroit Free Press, (March 28, 2025).
“Another Jew in the NBA? Danny Wolf headed for the draft,” Ynet, (March 30, 2025).
Jacob Gurvis, “Israeli-American Michigan basketball star Danny Wolf has eyes set on NBA,” Jewish Press of Tampa Bay, (March 31, 2025).

Photo: Jgumina, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.