Saint Joseph's University Vice President and Director of Athletics Ashwin Puri announced today that Phil Martelli, the winningest coach in Saint Joseph's men's basketball history, will be enshrined in the Saint Joseph's Athletic Hall of Fame as the lone member of the Class of 2027, in an induction ceremony later this year.

Martelli led Saint Joseph's for 24 seasons, compiling a 444-328 record, including 13 postseason appearances, three Atlantic 10 titles (1997, 2014 and 2016) and establishing himself as the program's all-time leader in victories. Martelli's seven NCAA tournament appearances are also the most in program history.

"Coach Martelli is synonymous with Saint Joseph's basketball and the very best of Hawk Hill," said Puri. "His achievements on the court speak for themselves. From Atlantic 10 championships and NCAA appearances, to guiding generations of student-athletes to success in the classroom and beyond. More than the victories, Phil's unwavering commitment to passion, integrity, and care not only transformed Saint Joseph's basketball, but also left a lasting impact across the national college basketball landscape. Inducting him into the Saint Joseph's Athletics Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to an unparalleled legacy."

Martelli's coaching reached a defining moment during the 2003-04 season as the Hawks produced one of the most memorable campaigns in college basketball history. Led by National Player of the Year Jameer Nelson, Saint Joseph's posted a perfect 27-0 record during the regular season and ranked first nationally for the first time in school history. Earning the No. 1 seed in the 2004 NCAA Tournament's East Regional, Saint Joseph's advanced to the Elite Eight and went on to set a program record for wins in a season (30).

Along with Nelson's National Player of the Year recognition, Martelli oversaw unparalleled individual success on Hawk Hill with two Associated Press All-Americans, 36 all-region honorees, four A-10 Players of the Year, seven Big 5 Players of the Year and three A-10 Defensive Players of the Year. Growing under Martelli's guidance, more than 30 Hawks went on to play professionally, including seven in the NBA (Nelson, Delonte West, DeAndre' Bembry, Ahmad Nivins, Langston Galloway, Dwayne Jones, and Ronald Roberts, Jr.).

Off the court, Martelli had a significant impact on the Saint Joseph's University community. In the classroom, Saint Joseph's earned more than 20 academic recognitions, including two Academic All Americans, nine NABC Honors Court honorees and six A-10 All-Academic Team selections. In 2013, Galloway was recognized nationally for his community involvement while on Hawk Hill as he was named to the inaugural Allstate NABC Good Works Team and honored at the NCAA Final Four that year.

Martelli was the consensus National Coach of the Year in 2004, 2 time USBWA District Coach of the Year, 4 time Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year, and 3 time Big 5 Coach of the Year. He was the former president of the NABC (National Association of Basketball Coaches). He was honored in 2021 with the Guardians of the Game Leadership Award. He continues to serve the game by participating in the game by serving on the NIT Selection Committee and the NABC ad-hoc advisory committee.

Martelli also established an impactful coaching network and legacy during his tenure including current head coaches Kevin Baggett (Rider), John Gallagher (Manhattan), Monte Ross (North Carolina A&T) and Phil Martelli, Jr. (VCU). Other members of Martelli's coaching family include Jones, Mike Farrelly, Dwayne Lee, John Bryant, Geoff Arnold, and Thomas Boyle. Martelli's reach also includes the NBA front office with Nelson as Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Philadelphia 76ers, and NCAA women's basketball as legendary head coach Geno Auriemma served as an assistant coach under Martelli at Bishop Kenrick High School.

A passionate leader for Coaches vs. Cancer, Martelli helped its Philadelphia chapter become one of the top fundraising groups in the nation and joined Fran Dunphy as co-recipient of the American Cancer Society's Circle of Honor Award in 2017. Martelli remains an active voice for Philadelphia Coaches vs. Cancer, regularly sharing his insights and experiences with organizations locally and across the country.

"With heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Cheryl McConnell and Ash Puri, I am honored to be joining the SJU Athletics Hall of Fame. My loving family, loyal staff, and special players made this happen. A special acknowledgement to John Griffin and Don DiJulia who have been true confidants throughout
my career. I am looking forward to reengaging with all who make Hawk Hill a special place."

Further induction information will be released in the coming weeks.