About
Biography
Phil Martelli, born on August 31, 1954, in East Detroit, Michigan, is a former American basketball coach and player known for his long-standing affiliation with Saint Joseph's University. A graduate of the university, he played for the Hawks before transitioning to coaching, where he established a formidable reputation. Martelli began his coaching career as an assistant at Saint Joseph's before taking the helm as head coach in 1995.
Under Martelli's leadership, the Hawks achieved significant success, highlighted by a remarkable run to the Elite Eight in the 2004 NCAA Tournament. His coaching style emphasized teamwork and player development, earning him numerous accolades, including the Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year award. Over his 24 seasons as head coach, he became the winningest coach in the history of Saint Joseph's basketball, compiling over 400 victories and leading the program to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.
Martelli's impact extended beyond the court, as he was recognized for his commitment to athlete education and personal growth. He cultivated many players who went on to professional careers, further solidifying his legacy in college basketball. In 2021, Martelli was appointed as an associate head coach for the University of Michigan, continuing his influence in the sport and demonstrating his lasting dedication to basketball coaching.