Welcome or Welcome back to The Polaroid Podcast 😃 . Our final episode of the Month is a great one, featuring Emory University basketball player Matteo Whelton. Whelton was immersed into the basketball world far before he was born. His father was coaching all throughout Europe, but mostly Germany where Whelton grew up. Like a sponge, Matteo followed his father around, as well as the players on the team, learning and becoming his own player. For as long as he could remember, he had played past his age, both overseas and domestically. Eventually, Whelton moved to Venice, Florida, where he still resides today. He recalls deciding to take basketball much more seriously going into high school. His first two years were spent on the Varsity team, where he exhibited flashes of what was to come. Noting that better opportunities were elsewhere both academically and athletically, he decided to transfer to prep school. Though his decision ultimately boiled down to Class A Andover and Class AA Worcester Academy, he cited the academic environment at Andover for tipping the scales. Well that, and it felt like home. Speaking of, during that same Summer, Whelton was tapped to try out for the Swiss national team. His mother is from Switzerland, and therefore he was allowed to play for the U18 team. The training camp consisted of rigorous 3-a-days, multiple cuts , and scrimmages against teams like Serbia. Given the opportunity, he would love to compete for the senior team. Transitioning to Andover, Whelton truly did feel at home. He logged 3 seasons under Coach TI, and capped off the final one with a playoff berth. Between playing for Andover and playing for famed New England AAU team BABC, Whelton saw incredibly stiff competition. Some of those marquee players include Potential 2021 #1 pick Cade Cunningham, Auburn guard Sharife Cooper, and Kentucky guards Brandon Boston Jr. and Terrance Clarke. A spot up shooter and crafty passer, Whelton will be the first to tell you about his athletic shortcomings. More of a mental player than a physical, he relies on fundamentals and picking spots to fire from. While at Andover, he recorded numerous games with 5+ 3 pointers made. Unfortunately, while playing for BABC in the Summer of 2019, he suffered a torn ACL. One of the most common and tumultuous injuries in the sport, he was sidelined indefinitely. Whelton attended 12 hours of weekly physical therapy for 7 consecutive months, determined to get back to form. Though he did not play the bulk of the ‘19-‘20 season, he took the opportunity to coach his fellow teams. A bit of a player-coach if you will, his impact was felt regardless of how many points he scored. He made a triumphant return during the Andover-Exeter game, sporting a massive knee brace. Whelton continued rehabbing afterwards and committed to Emory in Atlanta, Georgia. Though he has not yet been able to play for them due to the pandemic, he’s patiently waiting for the opportunity. Recorded: 1.26.21
