By Adam Finkel
Harrison Hochberg is still processing what it means to be a national champion.
The University of Michigan junior, who grew up a devoted fan of the school’s basketball program, was part of the team that captured this year’s NCAA Division I men’s basketball title.
As one of a small number of Jewish men’s basketball players in the Big Ten Conference, Hochberg has stepped into a rare spotlight, embracing his role as a visible Jewish athlete at the highest level of college basketball.
Hochberg reflected on the championship run, celebrating Passover during the Final Four, confronting anti-Semitism.
JTA: How have the last days felt after securing the national title?
Harrison Hochberg: It’s been surreal. I grew up a massive Michigan fan, so I’ve been joking with people that this is the peak of my life and it’s all downhill from here — and I’m completely OK with that. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
Q: Did you expect to be standing there at the end?
One of my teammates, “Yax” [Yaxel Lendeborg], was talking back in November about holding up a “Shock the World” sign when we won. That’s been the expectation since Day 1.
What has been your engagement with the Detroit community?
A few years ago, my teammates and I led a basketball camp for the children at S.A.Y. Detroit, founded by Mitch Albom.
Why are you skipping the carbs?
I just had to say, ‘I can’t do it right now’
It was an amazing experience to connect with the Detroit community. As long as we’re in the position that we are, I feel like we have an obligation to give back to those that deserve it. Even though Detroit is an hour away, I’d like to do more there.
I’ve done my best to expand that connection to the Ann Arbor community as well, specifically through work with the special needs community and Team Impact.
We even brought a young man onto our team as a full member. Whether it is through the T-Wall Foundation or these local camps, I believe in using our visibility to make a tangible impact wherever we can.
You’ve reached a rare level as a Jewish athlete. What does that role-model status mean to you?
Growing up on the Upper East Side, I didn’t really have a Jewish athletic role model to look up to. When I went to boarding school, I was one of maybe six Jewish kids in a school of 500. Now, having the opportunity to be that role model for kids like me is something I take a lot of pride in.
This year, the Final Four coincided with Passover. How did you manage the holiday while in Indianapolis?
We actually reached out to Zabar’s — the legendary New York establishment — and they sent a massive Passover spread to the team hotel. We had a table with the managers, said the prayers, and coach [Dusty] May even partook a bit.
The hardest part was the team meals; there were two or three days where they served deli sandwiches for lunch. I [avoided all bread]. the team nutritionist asked “Why are you skipping the carbs?” and I just had to say, “I can’t do it right now.”
Did you connect with other Jewish players or coaches during the tournament?
Definitely. We played Purdue in the Big Ten Championship, and their player Omer Mayer and I shared a handshake afterward. We just said, “Am Yisrael Chai.”
I also have a deep respect for coach Bruce Pearl (who retired last year from Auburn). Last year, when we played them, he invited the family of Edan Alexander — who was being held in Gaza — to the game.
My teammate Danny Wolf and I met with Edan’s father and brother. After the game, I went up to Coach Pearl and said, “Am Yisrael Chai.” He gave me a huge bear hug and said, “We’re in this together, brother.” It’s a small community, but we stick together.
Have you faced any challenges regarding your Jewish identity at Michigan?
Yes. When I post content for NIL (name, image, likeness) brands, such as my video with Zabar’s, I try to keep politics out of it. I focus on standing up against Jewish hate and anti-Semitism, but unfortunately, there are people in the world who view anything associated with being Jewish as a negative. I have received a fair share of hateful direct messages and threats.
How do you deal with that?
I don’t let it bother me; to me, it’s just noise. I know that I am doing the right thing by using my platform for good.
I simply block out the hate and focus on the fact that for every hateful message I receive, there are likely other kids who are positively impacted by what I’m doing. I want to be a voice against anti-Semitism as much as I can.
If that upsets some people, it isn’t a problem for me.
How did your grandfather, Ira Harris, influence your life?
My grandfather was the most impactful person in my life. He taught me three things: the Golden Rule; that those with the opportunity to give back have an obligation to do so; and that your word is your bond.
Five seconds after we won, I went from screaming in excitement to absolute tears because I wished he could have been there.
He brought me to my first game at the Big House when I was seven weeks old.
His last game was the 2021 upset over Ohio State, and I’ve never seen him happier.
Being able to create my own Michigan memories now feels like a full-circle moment.
What comes next professionally?
I want to stay in sports business — perhaps as an agent or working for a sports investment firm. I was told a million times that I wouldn’t play at Michigan, but I passed on other Division I offers just for the chance to walk on here.
To end that journey by hanging a national championship banner is the greatest achievement of my life.