Wilbraham & Monson Academy's Idan Tretout '19 was looking to challenge himself at the highest level academically and athletically in college.
He found it.
Surrounded by his family, teammates and a large number of friends, Idan signed his National Letter of Intent today to attend and play basketball at Harvard University.
Idan, a versatile 6-foot-4-inch guard, is the first WMA athlete in decades to commit to playing a collegiate sport at Harvard.
Quotes
Idan regarding the actual signing day: "It's surreal. When I first got here I didn't think this was ever going to be a thing, but for it to happen today ... I'm super happy that I can go on to the next part of my life. I'm happy with my choice."
Idan on why he chose Harvard: "I always wanted to play basketball at the highest level; I always wanted to get an education from the highest level. When Harvard started recruiting me my junior year, it was a perfect match."
Coach Mike Mannix regarding Idan's signing: "It's great for Idan and his family. It's something he worked a long time for. He had a goal of trying to mesh academics with basketball and get that to the highest level he could with Harvard. He's been working hard for three years. He had a lot of good schools to choose from, and I think he made a great choice. It's good for a kid who is known as a positive member of our community, great student and great athlete to then sign his letter of intent here and have the opportunity to celebrate with his family and friends going to Harvard."
Coach Mannix on what separates Idan from other players on the court: "He can truly play two different positions. He can guard three different positions easily. He has a high basketball IQ and good vision. And, he's a competitor. We can teach a lot of things, but we really can't teach a player how to compete. He competes every day, and goes out there with one goal – to win. He takes it one possession at a time, and that's important, too. He wins small battles to win the war."