At Bar Mitzvahs he’s the Mighty O’Quinn
KYLE O’Quinn is known for his defense and rebounding prowess when he hits the floor for the Knicks. But on some Saturdays, he is becoming known for something else: a bar and bat mitzvah entertainer.
“The parties are crazy,” O’Quinn told ESPN. “I did one, did two, and the next thing you know, I was just Bar Mitzvah Man.”
O’Quinn began going to the parties after he first attended the bat mitzvah of agent Andy Miller’s daughter. The 27-year-old said he enters following the religious ceremony and then brings the same energy he brings to the court to the party, dancing and signing autographs.
“They see how much I enjoy it and they let me rock out,” he said. “The parents are partying with the kids and it’s a big festival. They’re letting loose, having a good time and the kids are having a good time.”
After taking plenty of selfies and getting in on Snapchat, the Queens native — who didn’t have any Jewish friends growing up — enjoys being part the celebrations. “One thing I can say about these families, they all know how to party,” the Knicks big man added. “Honestly, it’s really nice to be a part of their culture and be down with them.”
O’Quinn is living his best off and on the floor. He is averaging career highs in points, rebounds and blocks while the Knicks are eighth in the East at 16-14.
Mazel Tov! – Stefan Anderson
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