“I think Kevin’s one of the outstanding coaches in the country; forget about high school, prep school, college or pro,” said Coach Mike Krzyzewski once said about Kevin Boyle. And how true it turned with his journey at Montverde. “Kevin knows what the heck he’s doing, and he’s found a home there at Montverde.” But just three years later, one of the greatest high school coaches of all time has decided to make a change and leave his home. But what reason forced him to find his way out from his ‘home’?
But before that, know the importance of the man behind the stars. Boyle is known for developing top talents like Kyrie Irving, Joel Embiid, Scottie Barnes, and then soon-to-be number-one pick in the NBA draft, Cooper Flagg. He became part of Montverde Academy in 2011 and since then, he has led the Eagles to eight National Championships. However, after grooming here for years, he now has a new aim. Guess what? Leave the powerhouse he built only to help create another one at Spire Academy in Ohio.
The soon-to-be Hall of Famer gave his reasons for it. He said, “The entire landscape of high school basketball has changed,” Boyle said. “There are new platforms for players to showcase themselves. Interest is growing. Expectations have changed, with players now having professional representation. Top prospects are looking for ways to maximize their development and image.” But what other factor made him choose this way?
The four-time High School Coach of the Year, Kevin Boyle, pointed to NIL as one of the key reasons behind his decision. With the ability for players to earn through their Name, Image, and Likeness in both high school and college, it became crucial for institutions to adapt and strategize effectively. Boyle believes the managing partner at Spire Academy has the right vision and resources to navigate through this new landscape.
“This new situation necessitates different strategies, and Jonathan Ehrenfeld, our managing partner at Spire Academy, has the vision and commitment to help us forge the path forward.” said the legendary coach, explaining his decision to leave Montverde.
But how big of a loss is this for Montverde? To grasp the impact, just look at what Cooper Flagg and Liam McNeeley, who were both part of Montverde last season, had to say about their high school coach.
Kevin Boyle is hailed as the greatest by Flagg and McNeeley
Flagg and McNeeley were part of the Montverde team alongside Derik Queen and Asa Newell, who went 33-0 last season. The Maine event at Duke, called Boyle “the greatest high school coach of all time” in a statement to ESPN. Flagg also said, “Playing for Coach Boyle was a huge step in my basketball journey. His belief and confidence in me pushed me to grow and become the player I am today.”
McNeeley echoed those sentiments, stating, “Boyle is the best high school basketball coach of all time, and I wish I could play for him just one more time.” Both McNeeley and Flagg are supposed to go in the top 5 in the upcoming draft and their praise just further cements coach Boyle’s legacy as one of the greatest if not the greatest high school coaches of all time.
Montverde will aim to make the most of its final days with Coach Boyle. With a 19-6 record, the team will look to extend its season this weekend at the inaugural Nike EYBL Scholastic Tournament in North Augusta, South Carolina. The winner of the 10-team tournament will earn an automatic spot in the Chipotle High School National Championship in Indianapolis. The last national championship at Florida for coach Boyle before he moves to Ohio.
The post The Real Reason Kevin Boyle Is Ditching Monteverde Academy for Spire Academy appeared first on EssentiallySports.
