The Exeter Athletics Department has announced Harry Rafferty '13 as the newest head coach of the boys varsity basketball program. Rafferty, a former standout player for Exeter, takes over the reigns from legendary coach, Jay Tilton, who has decided to step down from the program.

"Jay Tilton has been the heart and soul of our boys basketball program for more than two decades," said Jason Baseden, Director of Physical Education and Athletics. "His dedication in creating lifelong connections with his players far outweighs the incredible success his teams experienced on the court. We could not be more thrilled that Harry, a member of the Exeter basketball family, will take the torch from Jay and build on the strong foundation that exists for Big Red basketball."

Rafferty spent the 2024-25 season on the bench as an assistant coach with Big Red, helping guide the program to a 20-4 season and an appearance in the NEPSAC Class A Finals. As a player, Rafferty was voted as co-MVP as he helped drive Exeter to an incredible 25-1 season while capturing the program's first-ever Class A title in 2012-13.

"I am excited and humbled to be the next head boys basketball coach at Phillips Exeter Academy," said Rafferty. "I grew up watching Exeter hoops before playing for Big Red, and this opportunity to lead this program is a dream come true. I will do everything I possibly can to build upon the amazing culture and tradition that Jay Tilton, Malcolm Wesselink, and some many others have created here in Love Gym."

Prior to coming back to campus, Rafferty spent five seasons with the University of Michigan women's basketball program under head coach Kim Barnes Arico. Rafferty started at Michigan as the graduate manager before being promoted to assistant coach in 2021 and promoted again as the recruiting coordinator in 2023. In his five years on staff, the Wolverines made the NCAA Tournament each year while reaching the Sweet Sixteen twice and advancing to the Elite Eight for the first time in program history.

"Harry has proven to be an incredible leader whose passion for basketball is second to none," said Baseden. "He has a great appreciation and excitement for Exeter basketball and we are excited for him to carry forth the tradition of culture and development while making his own stamp on the program for years to come."

"I'm genuinely excited about the future of the program under Harry Rafferty's leadership," added Tilton. "His deep knowledge, vast experience, and passion for the game will be invaluable to the team. While he's incredibly competitive, I've always considered Harry the best 'teammate' I've ever coached. His passion for Phillips Exeter is real, his players are in excellent hands, and I have no doubt that the Exeter Basketball community will thrive with him at the helm."
 
Rafferty graduated from Wesleyan University in 2017 with a degree in American Studies and a concentration in African American History. He was a four-year starter for the Cardinals, ending his career with 1,129 points and as the career leader in three-point field goals made (194). He helped lead the team to their first NESCAC title in program history in 2014-15 while making a pair of appearances in the NCAA Tournament. After his time at Wesleyan, Rafferty spent a year in the NBA G-League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce where he averaged 19 minutes per game.

Rafferty takes over for his former coach in Tilton who joined the Big Red basketball program as an assistant in 2002-03 before taking over the reigns as head coach of the program in 2009-10. Under his tutelage, Big Red was one of the most successful teams in NEPSAC as he guided the program to a remarkable 210-96 record while winning five Class A titles in the process.

"It has been a true privilege to serve as a coach for Phillips Exeter for over twenty years," said Tilton. "I am deeply grateful to my family, the administration, our coaching staff, and the countless players who have represented Exeter basketball along the way. Their unwavering support has meant everything to me. Exeter Basketball will always be about more than just victories, personal accomplishments, or any individual. What I'm most proud of is the dedication our teams have shown to one another and to upholding the legacy of the "EXETER" name on our uniforms."

"The success Jay reached on the court is incredible, but the impact he has had on shaping successful young men who have created a lasting brotherhood is even more impressive. The family atmosphere he instilled in this program is evident in the way alumni stay connected, support one another, and the current team. His impact reaches far beyond the games, it is seen in the lifelong friendships, values instilled, and the sense of community that will carry on. We are forever grateful to Coach Tilton, his legacy will always be a part of this program."