Kyler Filewich doesn’t go to the free-throw line on the lookout for model factors, simply people who rely on the scoreboard for Wofford.
That’s why the 6-foot-9 middle from Winnipeg, Man., requested coaches for ideas, main him to change from the normal shot try and a throwback model.
Granny-style. Underhand toss. Or the shot that Basketball Corridor of Fame member Rick Barry was an artwork kind. Barry even got here to Spartanburg, South Carolina, to present Filewich some private tutoring. Whereas the numbers say Filewich has continued to battle from the free-throw line, he says his confidence has grown.
“I haven’t essentially at all times had the success that I wished,” Filewich stated Wednesday. “However I really feel like I’m fairly assured in it. After I wanted to, (about) 5 minutes left within the SoCon title … I used to be capable of step up and make two when it mattered.”
Filewich’s kind shall be on show for a nationwide viewers Thursday night time when Wofford (19-15) of the Southern Convention performs No. 2 seed Tennessee (27-7) within the NCAA Event’s Midwest Area on Thursday night time.
Wofford coach Dwight Perry stated Filewich requested for assist bettering his success charge on foul photographs, which was 31.6% final season. Assistant Ty Anderson is buddies with one among Barry’s sons and reached out.
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“Individuals don’t understand Rick Barry is one of the best free-throw shooter statistically in NBA historical past. So to your level, for those who’re going to study from any person, you positively need to study from one of the best,” Perry stated.
Barry got here to the college in Spartanburg, South Carolina, for the type of educating session that normally occurs within the offseason.
“Rick Barry graciously got here and gave his knowledge and type of gave some pointers,” Perry stated. “We had been very lucky. It was a few days during which they did that in the midst of the season.”
Filewich switched to granny model across the starting of February and located a measure of success, going 4 for six and 6 for 10 from the road in consecutive video games that month. Nevertheless, he stays the Terriers’ worst free-throw shooter at 31.8%.
In that convention title recreation, he went 3 of seven from the road. He was 1 of 5 earlier than he sank two with 5:32 remaining to present the Terriers a five-point lead.
Filewich wasn’t the one Wofford participant to take one thing away from Barry’s go to. Filewich has been the obvious because of social media along with his grip and underhand toss to the basket.
“It’s clearly one thing that’s atypical in at this time’s day and age,” Perry stated. “However to Kyler’s credit score, he’s been absolutely purchased in, and I feel it’s allowed him to do what we wished it to do, was to maintain him being assured and aggressive on either side of the ground.”
Filewich’s confidence is rising every time he practices taking pictures like Barry.
“I do know I could make ’em,” Filewich stated. “I make them at a excessive clip in follow. It was nice working with Rick Barry. I’m tremendous grateful for him taking his trip to indicate me the way it’s accomplished and type of taking over the mindset of doing no matter it takes to win.”
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