Phil Martelli’s four-year-old grandson steals show at A10 tournament
By Ryan Darcy
Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
By now, it’s likely you’ve seen video or photos somewhere of St. Joseph’s head coach Phil Martelli‘s four-year-old grandson Philip mimicking his every action on the sidelines to perfection during the Hawks’ 65-61 win over VCU in the Atlantic 10 title game.
Decked out in a suit and adult necktie, it was his grandson who stole the show. When Martelli drew up plays on his whiteboard in the huddle, the little guy drew up plays in the stands. When senior crossed his arms, the coach-in-training crossed his arms. Have a look.
This is not likely the first time the little guy has coached from the stands — his father, Phil Martelli, Jr., is an assistant coach for the Delaware Blue Hens, who’ll face No. 4 Michigan State on Thursday at 4:40 pm EST on TNT.
The question that arises now is will the little Martelli travel all the way to Spokane to watch dad and the Blue Hens take on Sparty or will he stay a little closer to home to watch grandpa and the tenth-seeded Hawks take on No. 7 UConn in Buffalo.
The only thing that can steal the show from this future coach would be if dad and Delaware were to slay Michigan State.
Either way, he’ll be watching, learning, emulating one of the Martelli coaches dancing in March.