When a coach has built a lengthy resume through several decades of success, retirement often becomes a viable possibility. However, Andover High School basketball head coach Dave Fazio has been making his mark at Andover for over three decades, and he has no intention of stopping now.
Fazio, who’s been at the helm of Andover’s program for over 35 years, wants to stay until the team is no longer.
“Most of my assistants have played for me, and we’re walking out, and they’re carrying the bags and doing everything for me; these guys are gonna kick me out soon,” Fazio said. “But they tell me, ‘We’ll do this any day of the week for you,’ so I guess I’m good.”
Coached by current New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibedeau in college, Fazio scored 1,440 points at Salem State University, good for seventh on the all-time scoring list.
A year after graduating from Salem State in 1988, Fazio became the head coach at Andover. Fazio has accumulated over 500 wins, along with a state final four appearance, and has had just three losing seasons in the last 20 years. While Fazio has seen success on the court from his players, he has a passion for helping the generations of hoopers.
In 1987, Fazio started a camp called Hooptown, a basketball camp to help kids further their skills while learning to become leaders and build deeper connections through the sport. Hooptown started with just 20 campers but has quickly grown and helped thousands of kids further their game. The camp has a tight-knit community, as the two current program directors are Hooptown alumni.
“[Hooptown] is my pride and joy. Most of my players now went through that camp,” Fazio said. “It’s the only place where at the end of the week you see 98 percent of the kids happy, and I’m happy because everyone had a great experience.”
Fazio was inducted into the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2022. At his ceremony, a majority of his former players showed up, including the first captain he coached 35 years ago. Fazio noted how much he loved the event.
“It was truly amazing. We had probably half of those guys watching us play today, too,” Fazio said. “We have some special kids”.
Andover faced Notre Dame High School at the Hoophall Classic on Thursday, and just like many teams in the event, the first quarter jitters hit the Golden Warriors. Fazio emphasized to his team pregame that his players can take advantage of an underdog situation.
“We’re in a different spot today,” Fazio said. “Usually, we’re being hunted, but we have to hunt this time.”
The coaching style that Fazio brings is unique. He uses colorful verbal and body language, which is all about positive reinforcement for his players.
Fazio tried to lighten the mood when talking to his team down 22-18 halfway through the second quarter.
“I don’t want to hear ‘I can’t do this’ and ‘I can’t do that.’ Just play,” Fazio said. “Be positive. That’s what this game is about.”
Golden Warriors’ forward Owen Crowley beat the buzzer on a tip shot to gain the lead 23-22 at the half, but Notre Dame started the third with an 8-0 run, and Fazio quickly called a timeout. Fazio’s encouragement to his team gave Andover a spark, and they cut Notre Dame’s lead to four with four minutes to go in the game.
Abdou Toure, a four-star for Notre Dame, put the game out of reach with multiple buckets late in the fourth quarter. He finished with a game-high 26 points and seven boards to top Andover 51-37.
Although the game got away from Andover, Foley looks forward to competition in the Mass. state playoffs. The senior captain dropped a team-high 19 points and splashed five threes.
“All I want to do is win. If we can perform well in the playoffs, that’s all that matters to me,” Foley said.
Sophomore Josh Roux provided solid minutes for the Golden Warriors and was even praised by Fazio mid-game for his 50/50 ball battles. Roux loves every challenge that Fazio brings to him and is pleased to have years ahead with the longtime coach.
“He’s like a role model to me, Roux said. He’s helped me out so much throughout my two years here, and I’m excited for two more.”