Philadelphia Inquirer Article about Phil Martelli's Transition to Michigan
Living in Philadelphia, everyone knows who Phil Martelli is and the vast majority of Philadelphians feel he got a raw deal by getting fired at St. Joes. The article goes on to describe Phil's transition not only to Ann Arbor, but as an assistant coach. Not a lot of groundbreaking information, but the article made me feel that PM misses Philadelphia-but is also taking full advantage of this opportunity. It is hard to say how much credit PM deserves for this team's early-season success, but I think having a coach on the bench with his experience is invaluable to Coach Howard and the team.
Some bullets from the article
-Getting ideas and thoughts to the head coach is still taking some time to get used to. Loves JH's vision and is in full support. PM gives advice, doesn't decide.
-Now on the recruiting trail, PM is selling playing for JH, his vision and the University of Michigan instead of for a local Atlantic 10 team (and himself)
-His wife accompanied him to the Bahamas and does visit frequently, but clearly misses his grandkids and living in Media (nice Philly suburb)
-PM is not used to gaining the attention of top players like he is receiving at Michigan. He(PM) would skip past those players on the recruiting notes since he knew they weren't going to St. Joe's
-PM compliments JH on his ability to listen to advice and always being in the gym
There's some more decent stuff in the article. I hope you all enjoy it.
December 12th, 2019 at 8:32 AM ^
Is there a link accessible for the public without a login?
December 12th, 2019 at 8:38 AM ^
Thanks for the descriptive characterization of the article. If you could provide a link, it seems interesting enough to go read!
+1 for the good title and description! (I mean, you didn't tell us a CB committed...)
December 12th, 2019 at 8:40 AM ^
Yeah, I accidentally messed up the double post. Try this link.
December 12th, 2019 at 8:53 AM ^
+1 to Phil living in Media instead of the Douche Line.
Would’ve thought that would be the reasonable choice given St. Joe’s location. Drive on Route 1 or 476 must not have been fun for him tho.
December 12th, 2019 at 9:53 AM ^
Agree. I was born in Media and raised in Springfield.
I bet Phil doesn't last more than a couple years here. That's a shock to the system to leave Philly after all those years.
December 12th, 2019 at 10:19 AM ^
A couple of years would be perfect! His main purpose here is to escort Juwan into the world of college head coaching. To help teach him to teach college players, rather than NBA 'superstars'. Help navigate the college world of recruiting. And so on... I think a couple of years helping get all that started on the right path will benefit JH (and Michigan hoops) more than a few words can describe.
And honestly, I can't think of a better coach than Martelli to guide that transition. Dude is like Beilein - beyond reproach in all aspects of the game.
December 12th, 2019 at 12:30 PM ^
Easy there on the "Douche Line" commentary. I don't know where you're from but you don't seem to have a good sense of what it is actually like in many parts of Lower Merion.
December 12th, 2019 at 3:21 PM ^
Lower Merion ‘77. Six years in Michigan (still visit every summer), now live in New Mexico.
December 12th, 2019 at 9:50 AM ^
Phil Martelli seems like a good, humble dude, and a hell of a coach - cut from the same mold as Howard and Beilein.
I'm glad our basketball program is in their hands.
December 12th, 2019 at 10:19 AM ^
Article makes it sound like Phil is making the best of a bad situation (for him). It is too bad that his career at St. Joe's had to end that way. UM is lucky to have him, but agree that he is likely to only stick around for a couple of years.
December 12th, 2019 at 10:29 AM ^
Great article. Clear that he misses home in Philly. Be interesting to see how long he lasts.
December 12th, 2019 at 10:41 AM ^
Never knew he lived in Media, PA. I live just up the road in Malvern.