2023-24 Phillips Academy Season Preview
Founded in 1778, Phillips Academy, aka “Andover” is an independent, coeducational secondary school with a legacy of academic excellence. It is the largest boarding high school in the country. It’s located in Andover, MA which is about 25 miles north of Boston.
The varsity basketball team competes in one of the most demanding leagues in the country, New England Prep School Athletic Council Class A. The team’s head coach Terrell “TI” Ivory coach graduated from Andover in 2000. Ivory lettered for four years at Davidson College, where he helped lead the Wildcats to an NCAA tournament appearance in 2002 before going onto a professional career in England. Following that career, he worked as a math teacher and assistant coach at Blair Academy in New Jersey. “T.I. is a terrific teacher of the game, having played under an excellent coach in Bob McKillop at Davidson,” said Blair Academy head coach Joe Mantegna. “He is fantastic at interacting with players of various backgrounds and playing experience.” Ivory also spent three years on the coaching staff at Davidson College and one year at Colgate University before returning to his Alma Mater as a basketball coach and admissions officer.
Below are the profiles on his key 2023-2024 players:
Rashad McCormick (2024) 6’7, 185lbs wing – McCormick is a high level athlete who is terrific in transition and attacking the rim off the bounce. Very capable 3-point shooter. Long and very athletic possessing the ability as a very good defender. Mature and can compete at a high level. He has D1 offers from Chicago State, Maine and Vermont. Video highlights
Keenan Sparks (2024) 6’2, 170lbs guard (Bates College commit) - Sparks is an elite passer, who is a consistent shooter with good range. Keenan is excellent at using screens to create offensive opportunities for himself and his teammates. Keenan rebounds well for a guard his size. Keenan works extremely hard in and out of the classroom, high GPA. Keenan competes on the Nike EYCL Circuit with the NY Rens. Video highlights
Diego Velez (2024) 5’10, 155lbs guard – Velez is a quick guard who can score at a high level off the catch or off the dribble. He plays extremely hard on both ends, doing all he can to help his team compete at a high level. NEPSAC Honorable Mention last year. Velez plays with the New York Gauchos during the AAU season. 3.8 gpa Video highlights
Robbie Nyamwaya (2024) 6’6” 205lbs Forward – Robbie is a talented front court player who has a terrific jump hook over either shoulder, and range out to 3. Robbie has great hands with natural instincts to pursue the basketball as an active rebounder on both ends. Robbie can finish above the rim. He is a heady defender drawing charges, while being able to defend multiple positions. Robbie has a high GPA and competes on the Nike EYCL Circuit with the NY Rens. Commitment offers from Bates College, U of Chicago, and Clark University. Video highlights
Isaiah Harris (2024) 6’4 guard – Harris is one of the most skilled players that Coach Ivory has ever worked with. Harris is a creative finisher with either hand and a great leader that is very unselfish. He already has the physique and work ethic of a college player and a very high basketball IQ. High gpa.
Whyett Benn (2024) 6’6, 210lbs forward/center–A space eater who scores off effort. Good rebounder with good hands and solid athleticism.
Adam Landry (2024) 6’5 forward – Andover’s starting QB in football and a talented basketball player that played at Newton North last year.
Xavier Abreu (2025) 6’3, 150lbs wing– An athletic wing who can score in a variety of ways. X has a quick first step and is a high-level athlete. He is excellent in transition possessing the ability to use his athleticism to score over defenders. X competes on the 3SSB circuit with the Mass Rivals. Receiving D1 interest from UMass and Boston University.
Oli Ogueri (2025) 6’3, 170lbs wing – Ogueri is an athletic player who has developed into a solid shooter off the catch and dribble. He is long and athletic, who can guard different positions. Plays AAU with Mass Rivals. High gpa.
Ollie Velez (2026) 6’0 guard - A combo guard that can score well but also loves to get his teammates involved. He shoots it well but also finishes well when he gets to the rim. 3.9 gpa Video highlights
Cade Rutkoske (2026) 6’2 guard – Rutkoske is a great shooter, with a high motor and high IQ guard. He has a nose for the ball and can score in bunches. He also is a great defender that competes on every play.
Hunter Peabody (2027) 6’1, 145lbs guard – Hunter is an excellent shooter with good range. Plays AAU with the Mass Rivals and will make a good impact as a freshman. High GPA. Video highlights
Kosi Udeh (2027) 6’2 guard - An athletic young player that can play multiple positions. A ton of upside in his future.
To catch the 2023-24 Phillips Academy schedule and results, click here