THE EHS NBA CONNECTION
When Director of DCI and Head Varsity Boys Basketball and Golf Coach Wayne Jones suggested a feature on the EHS/NBA connection, Athletic Director Jason Grove was reminded of an encounter in the fall of 2018. “One of my favorite moments at EHS occurred during Admissions Open House five years ago when I was able to observe a chance meeting between two longtime friends who had not seen each other in quite some time… “Greeting families at the entrance to Alkek Gym, I welcomed the Van Gundy family with eighth-grader Grayson back to EHS. In the midst of my conversation with Jeff, the Harrington family entered the gym with eighth-grader Ava. Jeff immediately recognized Othella, and the two shared a joyful embrace and a few humorous jibes. In fact, Jeff had coached Othella with the New York Knicks, and it was obvious that the two shared a special connection. I thought it was incredible that these two people, who had once called Madison Square Garden home, met again in our gym,” shared Jason Grove. Who among us has not unexpectedly bumped into someone at EHS whom we have known in the past and have not seen for ages? Or who has not met someone from EHS at an airport, a sporting event, or the grocery store? With over 5100 alumni and more than twice as many parents, the EHS net is far-flung. And maybe it’s not so unusual that the Van Gundys and Harringtons and their daughters were drawn to EHS, a faith-based Four Pillar school with unlimited opportunities for students to discover their individual talents. We are excited to report that this year five of our current dads, including Jeff and Othella, are NBA-connected as former players, coaches, and commentators. Each of the five has a daughter at EHS--freshman through senior--and each mom or dad and daughter spoke with us about why they chose EHS and their EHS experience.
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Houston native Rashard Lewis attended Alief Elsik High School and was drafted right out of high school in 1998. Currently an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons, he played for the Seattle Supersonics, the Orlando Magic, the Washington Wizards, and the Miami Heat. His sophomore daughter Gianna plays JV blue volleyball and first and third base for varsity softball. In his dad role, Rashard and his wife sat down two years ago to daughter Gianna’s “very-detailed slideshow, explaining why EHS was her number one choice for high school.” Rashard reflects, “She was 100% right about EHS being the school for her! Gianna is happy and thriving in all areas, not to mention an SPC Softball Championship under her belt. The School allows Gianna to continue her love of dance and performing. She is a Knight Ambassador and very excited about her role.”
Hailing from Mississippi, Othella Harrington played at Georgetown and was drafted in 1996 by the Rockets. Having played for six NBA teams—the Vancouver Grizzlies, the New York Knicks, the Chicago Bulls, the Charlotte Bobcats, and the Los Angeles D-Fenders—he now assistant coaches for the Knicks. His senior daughter Ava is a four-year varsity volleyball middle blocker committed to Princeton. “As parents, we hoped for a place that would support our daughter along this quick, four-year growth path. Ava has been respected for the person that she is, having her own unique voice and contributions, without pressure or expectation to fit into any type. School spirit and community investment are infectious at EHS,” reflects Othella.