THE EHS NBA CONNECTION

from EHS Pillars Spring 2023

2022 ‑ 2023 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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.

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.

James Posey was selected out of Xavier University by the Denver Nuggets in the 1999 draft. In his career, he played for the Rockets, the Memphis Grizzlies, the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics, the New Orleans Hornets, and the Indiana Pacers. He is currently an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards. His freshman daughter Sai plays JV blue volleyball. “Sai’s experience at EHS has been great,” reports her mom Lottie Posey. “She loves coming to school every day. All of her teachers have been ready and willing to help. Sai feels that support, and that has made a difference in her transition from middle school.”

Shaquille O’Neal was a first-round first pick in the 1992 draft, coming out of LSU and playing for six teams in his 19 year career. He was a four time NBA champion and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014. Currently, he is a TBS sports analyst. His junior daughter Me’Arah, an all SPC varsity basketball player, helped to lead EHS to the team’s second consecutive 4A runner-up finish. Me’Arah’s mom Shaunie says when they were choosing a school, Me’Arah’s adjustment from homeschooling was considered. “She’s a strong student so we were not concerned about her academics, but the social was our concern. The community, however, has been accepting and welcoming, and she is enjoying EHS. In addition, Jeff Van Gundy, another parent, reached out to my husband to welcome us to school, which meant a lot to us,” shares Shaunie O’Neal.

Jeff Van Gundy has been both a college and pro assistant coach and the head coach for the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks. He is currently an NBA commentator for ESPN. His older daughter Mattie ’13 played varsity basketball, and his younger daughter Grayson ’23 is involved in theater with EHS OnStage. Jeff and his family tell us they will miss the School. “The interests of Grayson and Mattie are far different, but they both have had stellar experiences because of outstanding and compassionate teachers, terrific friends, and incredible opportunities to explore areas of interest. Our entire family is blessed to have had EHS play such a pivotal role in the girls’ development, and we will miss it greatly!”

Five students, five NBA fathers, and one EHS connection.

– EHS Staff

“I really like Episcopal High School because of the community and all of the teachers. Everyone is very welcoming. I just love the School.” – Gianna Lewis ̓25