In the realm of the Alumni League, few names resonate like Phil Lawrence-Ricks', whose journey from pro courts overseas, back to the heart of Philadelphia's basketball community is as inspiring as it is impressive. Known for his dynamic presence both on and off the court, Phil's story with the Alumni League is one of passion and the pursuit of growth in the game he loves.
"I've seen the Alumni League for years," Phil said, reflecting on his initial intrigue in the Alumni League.
It was one person who made the biggest impact on Phil's decision to join the Alumni League, and that was his partner in crime Lamont Matthews.
“I met Lamont Matthews, and he asked me to join," Phil said admitting the influence Matthews had in having him join the league.
Both off and on the court, the Alumni League was instrumental in forging this relationship between Phil and Lamont. Their dynamic relationship was obvious to all as their E&S squad did damage in the Alumni League throughout the years.
"Lamont and I are good friends off the court," Phil explained. "We saw how each other played, knew where we liked to get the ball, knew where he liked screens, I really liked playing in the league; it was a really good experience."
This total understanding of each other's playing style spoke volumes on the court, especially in high-pressure situations, always recognizing and feeding the hot hand.
Before his stint with the Alumni League, Phil's basketball journey read like an explorer's diary. After showcasing his talent at Marist in the MAC, he went on to play overseas. From the courts of Ireland with Moycullen in 2016 to Portugal with F.C. Barreirense in 2017-2018, and a final stop in Spain with Obila, Phil gathered not just game time but life experiences that shaped his perspective.
However, it was an offer from his cousin, an assistant coach at St. Joseph's University (SJU), that marked the next phase of his career and changed the trajectory of Phil's professional life.
"He offered me a Graduate Assistant role with the men's team, it was an offer that I couldn't refuse."
What seemed like a temporary shift became a commitment when after he graduated, he embraced the role of player development coach, a position that he continues to hold up to this day. The transition from playing to coaching is often a significant leap, requiring not only a change in perspective but also an embrace of the game's more sophisticated aspects. For Phil Lawrence-Ricks, this transition seemed almost destiny, particularly given his playing history across international leagues. It was the Alumni League, however, that served as a catalyst for this transformation, providing Phil with a vantage point from which to view and understand basketball.
"I'm able to see the game differently thanks to the Alumni League," Phil said, "It helped me be a mentor, and all those skills came together at SJU," he continued, reflecting on his journey.
Within the Alumni League, competition is fierce. However, it's the sense of community and shared growth that sets it apart. It was here that Phil honed his leadership skills, and strengthened his player development skills that extended beyond basic gameplay mechanics.
This comprehensive approach to player development became even more crucial in his role at SJU. As Phil undertook his responsibilities, he realized that the lessons learned on the Alumni League courts were invaluable. The league had taught him the importance of mentorship and guidance, skills that he now applies to his coaching methods. But it's not just the technical aspects of basketball that Phil brought to his coaching role. It was the principle of brotherhood, a trait intrinsic to the Alumni League's culture.
"Lamont and I had this connection, this understanding on the court that came from knowing each other's play so well," he recalled.
This bond, forged in the heat of intense Alumni League matches, exemplified the type of relationship Phil now cultivates with his players at SJU. It's about understanding each individual's strengths and how they contribute to the team's cohesive unit. Despite the demanding nature of his coaching responsibilities, Phil's heart remains on the court, and he speaks fondly of his time playing in the Alumni League.
"It’s hard for me to find time to play in the league now," he admitted. "I want to get back and continue playing in the league if I’m able to but if not, I’ll still follow the league. I’m still really close to a lot of the guys."
His busy schedule may keep him away from participating actively, but it hasn't diminished his love for the game or his connection to the league. Phil Lawrence-Ricks stands as a living example of the Alumni League's impact, an example of how this community continues to influence its members' lives both off and on the court. Whether it's through high-stakes games on the court or the life lessons learned off of it, the league is more than just about basketball, it's a cauldron for growth and lifelong relationships.
References
Phil's college stats: https://goredfoxes.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/phillip-lawrence-ricks/7365
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