GALT BASKETBALL COACH STEPS DOWN
GALT — A new challenge has bounced into the lap of Phil Ricci.
Because of the new career adventure in the public sector, Ricci has resigned as the Galt High boys basketball coach after one season. Ricci said that the commitment needed for his new career would not allow him to devote his time toward the development of hoop players during the off-season through the start of practices in November.
Ricci said he notified Galt High Athletic Director Nicole Silvey of his decision last weekend. He also contacted most of the 10 players projected to return next winter.
“I was calling them before everyone got word of it,” Ricci said.
In his only season at Galt, Ricci and the Warriors went 7-17 overall that included an 0-10 mark in the Sierra Valley Conference. Galt started its season with a 5-2 record with three consecutive non-conference wins Golden Sierra in overtime, Western Sierra Collegiate and Woodland Christian.
The former Galt basketball player led the Warriors to the SVC and SacJoaquin Section Division II titles during the 1997-98 season. After years of playing basketball at Delta College and Oregon State, Ricci turned pro that included a stint with the Sacramento Kings at the beginning of the 2003-04 season, then playing overseas through 2014.
Many memories playing in the NBA and world will forever be etched into Ricci’s head. But the one he’ll cherish was developing players after Galt hired him last spring.
“The experience was awesome,” Ricci said. “Being a player, I was able to control my own destiny. But sitting on the bench, it’s a grind. I give coaches a lot of credit. There’s a lot of effort. It’s a year-round job. But I had a blast doing it. I was prepared for every single game, and every single practice. It was a fun experience.”
Silvey spoke highly of Ricci’s character during his only season back at his alma mater.
“Phil didn’t want to give the program the short end of the stick in terms of his time, and we appreciate and admire that spirit of dedication from him,” Silvey said.
The maturity of players is something Ricci is going to miss. He witnessed that first hand after he was hired.
“I’ll miss the growth,” Ricci said. “I got to see how the players developed in the spring and summer months. I’ll miss the growth of players. They really do mature. They apply everything that you’ve applied you taught them, watching them getting better.”
Another item of high school boys basketball Ricci will miss is coaching against former Galt teammate Josh Williams, who is the Liberty Ranch hoops coach. The Hawks have become a small-school powerhouse this decade, winning SVC titles and having deep runs in the section and NorCal playoffs.
“That was fun,” Ricci said. “It’s fun seeing him and the success that they’ve had. Even seeing the referees I’ve known since I played. It was cool seeing people who are still into basketball.”
Silvey said that the coaching position is being advertised within the Galt Joint Union High School District and outside the district. She’s noted there are two applicants submitted their resumes, with a few more sending her an e-mail expressing interest. Silvey said the position should be filled by mid-April, which will give the new coach time to meet returning and incoming players to prepare to play summer and fall basketball.