Charles Ellis

Why Cry? Charles Ellis

Why Cry? Is the story of LaVon Mercer, who went from Metter GA, a small rural farming community, to become one of the most recognizable figures in Israeli sports history. Why Cry? chronicles Mercer's humble beginnings as a displaced teenager living in extreme poverty and sheds light on how Mercer went from being a totally inexperienced and unknown basketball player at the start of his junior season to one of the most highly recruited players in America the following season. Why Cry? examines Mercer's journey from the tiny town of Metter, to The University of Georgia and to life as one of the most beloved professional basketball players in Israel. In 14 seasons in the Israeli league, Mercer's teams won six Israeli Championships (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995) and five Israeli State Cups (1984, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994). In 1989 his Maccabi team reached the Euroleague finals and in 1991 they reached the Euroleague semifinals. Why Cry? explores Mercer's service in the Israeli Defense Force, conversion to Judaism and becoming a naturalized citizen of Israel while detailing how life in Israel transformed his thoughts on God, race and love.