Winnipeg’s Filewich embraces odd free-throw style en route to March Madness

Kyler Filewich doesn’t mind if you laugh at him.

The Winnipeg native was named MVP of the NCAA’s Southern Conference tournament on Monday after racking up 39 points, 24 rebounds and eight assists over three games as his Wofford squad won the conference title.

But the six-foot-nine centre drew the most eyeballs when he stepped to the free-throw line.

Instead of steadily lifting the ball over his head for a regular overhand attempt, Filewich squats, brings the just above his knees and flicks it at the net.

That’s right: Filewich shoots his free throws granny-style.

“I grip the ball, take a deep breath, get set and flick forward,” Filewich explained to The State.

It didn’t quite work for Filewich during the tournament, as he made just five of 17 attempts from the charity stripe, including a 3-for-7 showing in a 92-85 win over Furman in the final to clinch a spot in March Madness.

Then again, the 250-pound senior was making just 29.6 per cent of his attempts through 23 games before making the switch. He hit rock bottom when he missed 14 in a row.

“What we were doing was not working at the rate we would like for it to,” Wofford coach Dwight Perry told Fox Carolina. “You can either do the same thing and bash your head against the wall, or you can try to improve.”

And so, using a connection with assistant Tysor Anderson, Perry and Filewich brought in Rick Barry, the NBA Hall of Famer who made granny-style cool — or, at least, he tried.

In 14 seasons in the league, including 12 All-Star appearances, Barry shot 89.3 per cent on free throws. He retired with the best percentage of all time.

Barry spent eight hours in the gym with Filewich teaching his ways.

“It was amazing. It was a huge blessing, huge honour. He’ll check in after games and see how the free throws are feeling. I’m super thankful for him. It was an awesome experience,” Filewich said.

It may look funky, but Filewich has just one goal in mind, and it’s not how he appears.

“I put my ego aside. Winning is more important to me than looking cool or whatever. So, I’m willing to do it,” he said.

After switching to Barry’s style, Filewich made 13 of 33 free throws to end the regular season.

While the free throws are a work in progress, Filewich is enjoying a nice season. He’s averaging career-best totals of 11.9 points and 9.5 rebounds while shooting 57.1 per cent from the field.

Now, with his Terriers headed to March Madness, he’ll get to show it to the world.