Philmore is Pushing Forward

Ron Bailey, Publisher

June 19, 2007 – When covering high school basketball players, one encounters many types unfortunate young people, from the somewhat arrogant that seem to have a sense of entitlement despite their age, to the balanced kids who through fate are surrounded by adults lacking a sense of reality, to those that seem not to enjoy the game itself.

On the more positive side, it is always a pleasure to encounter student-athletes that either enjoy learning the game, are not encumbered by a sense of ‘mee-ism’, or have adults in their lives that are grounded. Isaiah Philmore is lucky he belongs to all three of these groups.

A 6’6”, 212 pound rising junior forward originally from Kansas, Philmore attended The John Carroll School (Baltimore, MD) last season, where he averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds a contest. Philmore played more of an efficient power forward position, confining his activities primarily around the basket, where he not only scored on post moves put backs and fast breaks, but defended the cup aggressively, while selectively venturing to the perimeter.

Big time schools noticed his play, as during the Reebok Headliner Camp, Isaiah shared “Maryland, Wake Forest, UConn, Kansas, North Carolina, Florida” have all expressed scholarship interest. The current resident of Bel Air, MD is interested in schools that can provide “Playing time and good academics and good coaching”, and is planning to make his decision “probably next year”.

Philmore was seen at the Headliner Camp, working on his skills between games. According to those around him, that ethic to improve is not a rarity for him.

If his list of schools is impressive now, wait until the 2007 – 2008 campaign: While athletic and motivated, 6’6” and a fairly chiseled 212 pounds is not the ideal size for a high level Division I power forward, hence his migration to the shooting forward or three spot this spring and summer.

“He will be a three in college” shared Duane Coverdale, director and coach of the Delaware Sharpshooters. “We have stared working on him being a three this spring. We went to a flex (offense) for him to get him on the perimeter (in AAU ball), and have been working on ball handling”.

During the Reebok Headliner Camp, where through his play Isaiah earned not only i95Ballez.com MVP honors but an invitation to Reebok’s prestigious national level confab, Reebok U, the young guy not only dominated around the cup and in transition – on both sides of the floor - but showed a budding perimeter game, and an overall love of playing as well. Displaying a good base on his shots, which were taken when available, its clear Philmore has been training hard.

The next step is to perfect his shot’s actual stroke, from arm extension to follow through. According to Coverdale, that need is being handled aggressively, as is developing a defensive comfort level away from the basket, and improving Isaiah’s already prodigious athletic ability.

Augmenting his work with the Shaprshooters, Philmore is also receiving tutelage on his game’s migration away from the basket by the staff at John Carroll. “We put together a three phase program for Isaiah’s skill development this off-season” noted assistant coach, Anthony Macri.

He went on to define this plan, which mirrors the Sharpshooter’s work, as a multi-pronged strategy where core and leg strength is being enhanced, thereby allowing overall athletic and physicality improvement, ball handling is focused upon, including ball security and handling pressure, along with expanding his battery of offensive options. According to Macri, that last component includes “expanding his arsenal of moves from the triple threat attack position, extending his first step so he leaves defenders behind, and slowly working in a pull-up jumpshot”.

Add John Carroll’s upcoming schedule to the list of things allowing Isaiah to expand his skill set: Last season in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association, the school went 28-8 in that league’s ‘B’ division, while this upcoming campaign will be spent competing in the MIAA’s ‘A’ conference – and facing increased competition resultantly. Additionally, the team faces St. Anthony’s of New Jersey, as well as competes in The 35th Annual Bank of America City of Palms Classic.

Facing the increased competition, and having to shoulder much of the team’s leadership burden, particularly initially, is beneficial to Philmore, per Macri. After opining “Isaiah’s contributions will be a big key to how good we can be next year” the coach went on to share “I think he has an opportunity to shine in our schedule”.

Isaiah already shines off the court, where he not only works tirelessly on his game, but has been taught to communicate. In essence, he’s a kid that has been raised well, and seems to shun any sense of entitlement mentioned above, that could be engendered by his basketball talent and the attention generated. Coverdale, the Sharpshooter’s coach, indicated “He’s new to the basketball business” when elaborating on Philmore’s attitude. Having helped guide literally hundreds of young people colleges, and as such he’s seen it all, Coverdale added “The slower he learns it, the better”, before laughing.

With people in Isaiah’s life such as his parents, Coverdale, and Macri, there stands a very good chance he will continue not only his approach to life, but hoops as well. That would mean the future is bright, for Mr. Philmore.

Addendum: Since publishing this article, i95Ballerz.com has learned the University of Miami and the University of Delaware have both tendered scholarship offers to Philmore, while Wake Forest is on the verge of offering. This info is per Duane Coverdale, the Delaware Sharpshooter’s director and coach.