Expert: Alessandro - 2/19/2005

Question
Hi Alessandro, My son's friend's name is Ryan Phillip. Recently my son, Derek, told me a story about Ryan and his dad making a trip to Ryan's grandfathers college. Derek told me they went to Chicago. Phillip played for Illinois, now he has my attention. Can you please give me some family background about Andy Phillip. We live on Cape Cod so It's not hard for me to think a retiring player would stay in the area of his last team.
Thank you in advance, John

Answer
Andy Phillip maintained his residence in Rancho Mirage (Calif.) until the time of his passing on April 29, 2001 ... He was buried in his hometown of Granite City, IL, on May 5th of that year; for more info, you can check out his obituary at the Naismith Hall of Fame's web site:

http://www.hoophall.com/halloffamers/phillip_obit.htm

Also, you should check out this excellent article (which talks about Red Auerbach coaxing Phillip out of retirement for his first NBA title in 1957) at :

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCJ/is_3_29/ai_80847884/print

Hope that helps,

Alessandro
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