Phil Martelli explains historical significance of The Palestra

The history of the Palestra is not lost on Michigan basketball coach Phil Martelli as the Wolverines faced Penn State in the historic building on Sunday afternoon.

In a unique Big Ten game, Michigan is actually playing Penn State in Philadelphia rather than State College, in large part, to honor Martelli. Head coach Juwan Howard even handed over the keys to the elder former St. Joe’s coach to lead the way in this contest.

So when interviewed before the game, Martelli was asked about the rich history of the Palestra and why it hold such a special place in American basketball history, especially at the college level.

He explained what a neat opportunity it always is to play there:

“For our players, and for the Penn State players, for our coaches, for the Penn State coaches, we’re walking where the greatest to have ever done this are walking, you know.”

Martelli then listed several behemoth hoops figures who made a stop by the Palestra during their playing days.

“Pick a name. Did Wilt Chamberlain play here? Oh yeah, Wilt Chamberlain played here. For those that don’t know Wilt Chamberlain, I’m sorry. Kobe played here as a high school player.”

Of course, the Palestra belongs to the University of Penn, and it’s games against the Quakers which Martelli recalls so fondly from his older coaching days.

“It’s hosted the most NCAA games, but it’s the Friday and the Saturday nights when the Philadelphia teams were playing here that just make it absolutely extraordinary.”

Martelli tabbed by Howard to coach Penn State game

In another interesting turn with the Michigan basketball coaching staff, Phil Martelli has once again been tabbed to take over as head coach of the Wolverines. But this time, it’s just for one game.

Due to head coach Juwan Howard’s heart surgery in the offseason which required a lengthy recovery, Martelli, a longtime college hoops coach and current Howard assistant, served as head coach. Back in mid-December, though, Howard was finally able to return to his head coach’s post in full capacity.

However, Howard is willing to give Martelli at least one more opportunity as the team’s acting head coach in-game, as Michigan hoops reporter James Hawkins noted Sunday morning that Martelli will lead the team vs. Penn State in Philadelphia on Sunday.

Here was that report:

“Per a UM spokesperson, Juwan Howard has asked Phil Martelli to serve as Michigan’s head coach today in his return to Philadelphia.”

The game will take place at the famous Palestra on Penn’s campus, where Martelli coached many a game during his long tenure at nearby Saint Joseph’s. Another UM hoops reporter, Dylan Burkhardt, noted the whole event was in part a tribute to Martelli.

“Game is back in Philadelphia and was set up in large part as a tribute to Martelli for an opportunity to coach back home in Philly.”