05/09/2008
Phillips Appointed to National Association of Basketball Coaches Committee on Academics

WORCESTER, MASS. 05/9/08 - Clark University men's basketball head coach Paul Phillips has been appointed to the National Association of Basketball Coaches Committee on Academics, it was announced on Friday.

Phillips, who just completed his 10th season at the helm of the men's basketball program, has always been committed to education. A former 20-year teacher and guidance counselor at St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, Mass., Phillips has established a weekly reading program at Woodland Elementary (formerly The All School), where he and several players read to students - instituted a math tutoring program at the University Park Campus School, and created the B1 - B2 clinics, which preaches "Books First - Basketball second," during his tenure. He also received the John Lund Award in 1998 for his community service efforts.

The Committee on Academics is made up of coaches from all three NCAA divisions, including one Junior College head coach. The committee's mission is to promote and publicize the academic success of collegiate basketball players, and encourage programming between coaches and school children in the communities.

The Committee on Academics also administers the Literacy Champion Award, which recognizes outstanding work by a coach and his program in the promotion of reading and literacy. This year's Literacy Champion is Bob Knight, but past winners have come from all three divisions, including one assistant coach. Two winners have been from Massachusetts - Charlie Brock of Springfield in 2003, and Bert Hammel of Merrimack in 2006.