Brad Stevens reached out to Markelle Fultz's high school counselor


Brad Stevens had an interesting way to find out more about the Celtics likely newest addition Markelle Fultz. He reached out to his high school academic counselor, Joan Phalen, to find out more about Markelle and his learning habits. Via Boston.com:

“I had a wonderful conversation with Brad Stevens," said Phalen, who worked with Fultz almost daily during his time at the private high school in Hyattsville, Md. “He was so interested in how Markelle learns, and I just thought that was an amazing concept for a coach to be interested in and concerned about. We had a great conversation."

Leave it to coach Stevens to leave no stone unturned when it comes to preparation. It certainly makes sense that Stevens is doing his due diligence on a player that could be a huge game-changer in terms of the future of the Boston Celtics.

According to Phalen, Fultz showed a great interest in learning and went above and beyond in his academics by putting extra work in regularly. That work ethic is something I imagine has also translated to the basketball court and why he has been so successful there as well:


Fultz has been a slam dunk for the C's with 1st-overall pick based on talent alone, but this conversation had to put a smile on both Stevens' and Danny Ainge's faces. They went against the grain last year selecting Jaylen Brown with the 3rd pick in the 2016 draft, and as much of a specimen he was physically his thirst to learn and academic prowess was likely a big factor as well.


Related: Markeĺle Fultz thinks him and Isaiah Thomas 'would be a great fit'

Photo Credit - Gregory Payan/Associated Press

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