After the news broke on March 19 that Phil Martelli would not return as men’s basketball head coach at St. Joe’s, attention quickly shifted to those he impacted the most: his players.
Like many others who heard the news, Martelli’s former and current players were generally shocked and perplexed.
Isaiah Miles ’16, who is one of six players to play on two of Martelli’s Atlantic 10 title teams and also has the fourth most points in a single season in St. Joe’s history, said this wasn’t the ending he saw for his coach. Miles played under Martelli from 2012-2016 and never thought that only three years after his graduation, Martelli would be gone.
“I thought he was going to have a lot more [time],” Miles said. “I thought he was going to be able to retire under his own terms.”
Halil Kanacevic ’14, a former Hawk forward, played 94 games under Martelli from 2011 to 2014, capturing an A-10 title and second team all-conference honors in 2014. He said Martelli’s firing was unjustified.
“It wasn’t warranted,” Kanacevic said. “Strictly from a basketball standpoint, I don’t think a lot of coaches would have got fired if you looked at an eight or nine-year span, especially with all the injuries in the past three years. That’s why it is so surprising.”
Over the past nine seasons, Martelli led the Hawks to two A-10 Championship victories. The only other team in the conference to have multiple championships in that time frame is Saint Louis University, who won their second championship this season.
In the past three seasons, the Hawks have failed to post above a .500 record, and they have dealt with significant injuries to key players such as redshirt junior Lamarr Kimble, redshirt sophomore Charlie Brown and redshirt junior Pierfrancesco Oliva.
Miles said he felt the way Martelli’s firing was handled evoked a sense of disrespect. He envisioned a farewell tour similar to the one Temple University’s head coach Fran Dunphy received this year.
“They did him dirty, no recognition” Miles said. “I think he should have went out like Dunphy, Temple University’s head coach. He had a year’s notice, so he knew it was coming. He was getting recognition every game because he knew it was his last season.”
Shavar Newkirk ’18, a former Hawk guard who now plays professionally in Germany, agreed with Miles. After hearing the news from his father over the phone, Newkirk said he was upset by the lack of fanfare that the winningest coach in St. Joe’s history was given on his way out.
“He did so much for the school,” Newkirk said. “He deserved more. I mean there isn’t really a right way to let somebody go. He was a great man, and he knows how to get the best out of you both as a player and as a person.”
Senior guard Chris Clover said Martelli gave him an avenue to better himself.
“I’m glad I got the opportunity to play at St. Joe’s,” Clover said. “I’m glad Phil gave me that opportunity. I’m a better person and a better player because of it.”
Newkirk said he appreciates how open Martelli was with his players. He was always available for a phone call if somebody was feeling homesick or just needed some food.
“He was a great listener,” Newkirk said. “He gave great advice, and I don’t know if people know it, but he is a comedian. He had good jokes.”
Miles thinks that a proper display of gratitude should be in store for Martelli after all that he gave to the school, the fans and the players.
“Shoot, why not name the court after him?” Miles said. “He has been there so long, and he gave so much to the team. Name something big after him.”
Miles said he hopes current players will let Martelli know how grateful they are.
“Be there together as a team,” Miles said. “If they get a chance to see him, make sure to show their appreciation.”
Miles said if he were given a chance, he would make sure to thank Martelli in person for everything. During Miles’ senior year, Martelli brought Miles into his office, sat him down and told him that he may be the most improved player on the roster. That year Miles would post the best statistical season of his career, receive tryouts for NBA rosters and would ultimately go on to play professionally overseas.
“I am where I am at now because of him,” Miles said. “He bestowed that confidence in me. He gave me the road to where I am at now because he gave me that opportunity. So I would just thank him for all that he has done.”
Kanacevic said he would make sure to be completely candid with Martelli if he got the chance to talk to him. It would be just like the conversation he and Martelli had early in the 2013-2014 season, after a pair of tough losses to Temple and Villanova. They both recognized they needed to right the ship to save their season. The Hawks ended up winning the A-10 Championship that spring. Kanacevic was named tournament MVP on that team.
Martelli is known for being authentic and genuine, and Kanacevic said his relationship with Martelli is no different.
“I was always up front with Coach,” Kanacevic said. “Me and him would just have an honest conversation. I would tell him it wasn’t right that they fired you. It doesn’t make sense.”
Clover said it will be a tall task to replace Martelli and what he represented to the players outside of basketball.
“I don’t know who is out there, but I hope they get someone personable, someone you can have a relationship with,” Clover said. “Those are key aspects that a good coach would need to replace Phil Martelli.”
