A powerful collaboration is underway between University of Michigan Associate Head Coach Phil Martelli and Temple point guard Hysier Miller. Despite living in Ann Arbor since 2019, Martelli’s heart and soul remain deeply connected to his hometown of Philadelphia. Recently, he learned about Miller’s book “No Place Like Home: We Have Unfinished Business” and was moved to take action. Phil Martelli has committed to support Miller’s efforts in engaging middle and high school students and sharing his book, with a focus on reducing gun violence in Philadelphia. The collaboration aims to inspire young Black males to become catalysts for change in their communities.
Phil Martelli’s coaching journey began with the 1985-86 St. Joseph’s Hawks, where he spent ten years as an assistant under Jim Boyle and John Griffin before being named the 14th head coach in school history in 1995. Under his leadership, the Hawks achieved notable success, including reaching the final game of the NIT Tournament in his first season. However, it was during the 2003-04 season that Martelli and the Hawks experienced their greatest triumph. With the help of future Naismith College Player of the Year Jameer Nelson and other talented players, the team achieved an impressive 27-0 regular season record, reaching the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament.
In June 2019, Martelli accepted a position as the associate head coach at the University of Michigan under head coach Juwan Howard. Despite living and working in Ann Arbor, Martelli has maintained a strong connection to his hometown of Philadelphia. Troubled by the sigificant increase in violent crime and gun violence in the city, he remains actively engaged in the community, keeping up with local news and staying in touch with numerous friends in the City of Brotherly Love.
When Phil Martelli learned about Hysier Miller’s book, “No Place Like Home: We Have Unfinished Business,” he was immediately drawn to its powerful message. The book not only tells Miller’s personal story but also sheds light on the pressing issue of gun violence in Philadelphia. Moved by Miller’s initiative to address this critical issue, Martelli expressed his interest in supporting the cause.Though Martelli and Miller had only crossed paths briefly at basketball games in the past, Martelli’s admiration for the young point guard’s game and character has led him to take a proactive role in promoting Miller’s message. Coach Martelli has committed to purchasing a significant number of Miller’s books and distributing them to students at the GESU School and a Philadelphia Public School. This collaboration aims to spark a crucial conversation among young Black males, empowering them to be agents of change in their communities.
Hysier Miller, who was just two years old when Martelli and Jameer Nelson achieved the number one ranking in the nation, has always held great respect for Coach Martelli’s coaching style and program. He acknowledges the impact Martelli had on players like Langston Galloway, DeAndre Bembry, Fresh Kimble, and Charlie Brown. Miller is humbled and grateful that Coach Martelli wants to support his efforts to spread the message of hope and change through his book.
As the collaboration between Phil Martelli and Hysier Miller gains momentum, the two are scheduled to have a zoom teleconference later this month to discuss strategies for working together. Their shared goal is to engage middle and high school students and encourage them to play an active role in combatting gun violence in Philadelphia.
The collaboration between University of Michigan Associate Head Coach Phil Martelli and Temple point guard Hysier Miller exemplifies the power of sports figures in using their platform to bring about positive change. By combining their influence and experiences, they aim to inspire young Black males to stand up against gun violence and become leaders in their communities. This partnership not only showcases the impact of mentorship but also highlights the importance of addressing pressing social issues through collective effort and collaboration.
Link to purchase a copy of “No Place Like Home: We Have Unfinished Business”:
https://black-cager-publications.sellfy.store/p/no-place-like-home-we-have-unfinished-business/
The Black Cager 