On Saturday, February 18, basketball player Phil Pellegrino ‘17 scored his 1,000th point in his final career game. This lofty accomplishment was a highlight of Phil’s successful basketball career as a college player.
Pellegrino said he is humbled by this accomplishment, which was achieved through hours of hard work and dedication. “It is an unreal feeling. I have been playing basketball since I was a young kid. All I ever watched on TV was college basketball and I remember wanting to be just like them,” he said. “Scoring the 1,000th point was the icing on the cake for my dream to play college basketball. It makes all of the countless hours spent in the gym worthwhile.”
Pellegrino has been faithfully supported by his teammates and coaches who have encouraged him in this endeavor. “My coaches and teammates are family,” he said. “I love each and every one of them from all my years of playing at Houghton.” He emphasized the importance of camaraderie on the team, and stated, “I couldn’t have achieved this accomplishment if it wasn’t for my teammates. The coaching staff has always been supportive of me, and pushed me to be the best basketball player and man that I could be.”
Corky McMullen, head men’s basketball coach, expressed his appreciation for Phil’s contribution to the team both on and off the court. “Phil has been a joy to coach,” said McMullen. “He has really brought into the new system that we put in place. It’s difficult to get a new coaching staff for your senior year, and he has made our job easy.” He continued, “On the floor he gives us instant offense, and always puts his teammates before himself. Off the floor, he is a man of high integrity and leads our underclassmen by example. It has been an honor coaching this young man.”
Pellegrino’s teammate, Jordan Scott ’17 echoed Coach McMullen’s appreciation. “Phil’s accomplishment reflects his hard work, but more importantly his attitude towards his accomplishment reflects his selflessness,” Scott said. “He rarely discussed the possibility of getting 1,000 points during the year.” He added that Pellegrino was more focused on winning and team success than with this personal accomplishment coming as a result of their playing. “He always put the team before himself and it was refreshing to have him as an unselfish leader for our team.”
On the court, Pellegrino is a player that can be relied on for his dynamic offense. “As a team, we looked to him as a primary scoring option, which is reflected in his 1,000 career points,” Scott ’17 said. “Transitioning to a new offense with a new coach made it difficult, but as the point guard I knew I could trust Phil to score, and I could look for him as an option when facilitating the ball. I am very proud of what Phil has done on the court, but more proud to call Phil a friend for life as a result of the bond we share from being teammates here at Houghton.”
Houghton’s mission in athletics is “excellence for the glory of God.” According to his coach, Pellegrino’s career accomplishment aligns with the mission Houghton strives to implement on and off the court. “Scoring 1,000 points is no easy feat at any level,” said McMullen. “Striving for excellence is all that we do on and off the court. Your identity is not made by wins and losses or scoring 1,000 points. Your identity is in Jesus Christ. Phil is a perfect example of that model. He is a noble servant leader first, and a basketball player second.”
Although his career is almost at its end, Pellegrino expressed that he is grateful for the opportunities he has had on the team. “I am so thankful to be part of the Houghton basketball program,” he said. “I have no regrets leaving the game I love.”