Boys Basketball

Post-Graduate: Kailan Lee ’17

Coming to Andover with over ten years of basketball experience, Post-Graduate Kailan Lee ’17 has played a crucial role for Andover Boys Basketball this season as starting point guard.

Lee began to play basketball at a young age, and prior to Andover, he played on his high school’s varsity team in River Forest, Ill. Lee continued his development in the off-season as well, playing travel basketball in the summers.

With several years of experience as a point guard under his belt, Lee is a strong playmaker on the court, able to consistently set up opportunities for his teammates, as well as himself. His strength as a facilitator and his decision-making skills on the court distinguish him as an invaluable point guard.

Teammate Matt Shea ’18 said, “Kailan is the backbone of our offense. He is a leader on the floor and runs every play, accounting for all five guys on the court. He’s very effective in scoring the ball off the dribble and leading us in transition as well.”

Lee acts as an annex of Head Coach Terrell Ivory ’00 on the court. As a point guard, he is a leader on the team, calling out plays and getting the most out of his teammates on the court.

“Kailan is a strong vocal leader on the court as well,” said Jackson Emus ’19. “If you’re not where you’re supposed to be on offense or defense, aren’t hustling, or just not doing your job on the court, he’ll be on you. He’s the tough leader this team needs and he complements [Andrew Reavis ’17] as a captain and [Ivory] as a coach very well.”

Coach Ivory said, “I think he’s a very smart player as a point guard, it’s his job to run our team. He has to know not only every position offensively, but when we’re running plays. He also has to know what we’re doing defensively. He does a good job of understanding what I want as a coach and relaying that to the rest of the guys on the team.”

Lee’s exceptional quickness, agility, and control of the ball make him a tough matchup for opponents. His extensive vision allows him to distribute the ball with precision amongst the team.

Emus said, “He is great at handling the ball and losing defenders off of picks or in the open court. He sets the tone in terms of energy and pace as soon as the we step on the court.”

Lee contributes to a friendly atmosphere that helps the athletes grow closer as a team. His high level of energy fuels the team when the intensity is low.

Akshay Mundra ’18 said, “He’s a great guy and everyone respects him on and off the floor. He is really easy to play alongside, because his passing ability helps to make all of us better.”

Lee’s talent and basketball skill, however, are not solely due to natural talent. His intense work ethic and commitment to the sport drive him to improve at practice every day, honing his skills even further.

After Andover’s loss to arch-rival Phillips Exeter Academy on Wednesday, Lee looks to lead the team to a bounce-back victory against Milton on Friday.

Editor’s Note: Matt Shea is an Associate Business Manager for The Phillipian.