Philkwan Tate, a former All-Region student-athlete during his playing days for the Pointers, has been named as head men’s basketball coach at UConn Avery Point. He replaces Sam Cheung, who stepped down at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season after four seasons as head coach.
“I am excited to have Philkwan Tate usher in the next era of UConn Avery Point men’s basketball,” said Athletic Director Michael Kobylanski. “During the course of our search, Philkwan’s genuine and caring demeanor, basketball acumen and ability to connect with a variety of campus constituents proved as key characteristics that will position him for success in this role. During his time at Avery Point, he prospered as both a student and an athlete. We look forward to Philkwan leading the young men in our program in this new chapter of Pointers’ basketball.”
Tate has amassed over a decade’s worth of combined coaching experience on the collegiate, scholastic, AAU and camp circuits. He spent the 2021-22 campaign as the head boys’ basketball coach at Derby High School. That appointment came on the heels of a three-year run on the staff at New Milford High School. Tate also spent two years as an assistant coach at Western Connecticut State, and gained additional experience in roles with the Next Level AAU program and the BEHN Camp.
A member of the 2008 Bloomfield High state championship squad, Tate suited up with the Pointers from 2011-13. As a sophomore, he earned First-Team All-Region XXI honors. Tate was also named the Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
“It’s an honor to take the helm at UConn Avery Point,” Tate said. “I feel very blessed to have the opportunity. Being here, playing basketball, it was two of the best years of my life. I want to give that back to the student-athletes of today and that is my goal – to ensure any student-athlete that comes to Avery Point gets better and has a great experience.”
Tate continued his collegiate career as a student-athlete at Emmanuel College and Western Connecticut State, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 2016.
