Malvern Prep’s Andrew Phillips is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week (Feb. 27-March 5)
The 6-foot-5 senior forward recently was named Inter-Ac Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Phillips finished the season as the Friars’ leading scorer (18.7 ppg), leading rebounder (7.4 rpg) and leading assist man (3.0 apg). He shot 53 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point territory. “Andrew is one of the most versatile offensive players and gifted scorers I have ever coached,” said Malvern Prep basketball head coach Paul Romanczuk. “He varies his offensive attack game by game to put himself and our team in the best possible position.”
Q: What does it mean to you to be named the Inter-Ac Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year? What was your first reaction when you found out you were receiving this honor?
A: It means a lot to me; it’s something I’ve always wanted since my freshman year at Malvern. It felt great because I worked so hard to get to this point.
Q: How have you seen your leadership role as a senior team captain?
A: I feel that this year I took a big leap with my leadership role. As a captain, I had more responsibilities and had to always be positive and to be willing to work even harder for my teammates. I felt that I really got better in that role as the season went on.
Q: During the last week of the regular season you pulled down 13 rebounds in a game against Penn Charter. What in your opinion is the biggest key to effective rebounding?
A: I think the biggest key in rebounding is to never stop moving and get in the right position. If you’re active and in the right spot, it’s easier to come down with the ball.
Q: What part of your game have you worked on the most recently?
A: Throughout the season I worked on my handle. I would sometimes have to play point guard, and I believe I have gotten much better handling the ball.
Q: Who have been your top basketball mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?
A: My biggest mentors have always been my grandfather and older brother Colin. They have both taught me to overcome adversity and not give up. My brother pushes me to get better and to work harder each week. They are both some of my biggest supporters.
Q: You wore uniform jersey No. 20 for Malvern Prep basketball – is there a reason you chose that number?
A: I wore No. 20 over some other numbers because my grandfather wore No. 20.
Q: Who is your favorite basketball player and why?
A: Luka Doncic is my favorite player because of how he slows the game down and makes it look so easy every time. He looks so happy playing and has so much love for basketball.
Q: What is your favorite academic course at Malvern Prep? What do you think you might like to major in at college?
A: My favorite course at Malvern is God and The Good Life. I would like to major in business in college.
Fun facts – Andrew Phillips
Favorite TV show: Game of Thrones.
Favorite movie: Predestination.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles, Sixers.
Favorite place to visit: Ocean City, N.J.
Favorite pre-game meal: PB&J
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
