Masters Academy International Names Naadir Tharpe Head Coach of Prep Basketball Team and Co-Director of Player Development

Former Kansas men’s basketball star brings wealth of experience to MAI basketball program

STOW, Mass. – April 30, 2026 – Masters Academy International (MAI) today announced the hiring of Naadir Tharpe as Head Coach of its Prep Basketball Team and Co-Director of Player Development, adding a proven leader with experience at every level of the game.

A former standout at the University of Kansas, Tharpe helped the Jayhawks secure three Big 12 titles and reach the NCAA National Championship game in 2012. During his three seasons at Kansas, Tharpe earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 Honors and was named Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week. He went on to play professionally, spending time in the NBA D League and competing internationally for several seasons.

Prior to college, Tharpe shined at Brewster Academy where he was named NEPSAC Player of the Year in 2011 and helped lead the Bobcats a New England Prep Championship and a National Prep Championship.

Tharpe arrives at Masters Academy International following a successful first year as the Head Coach of Brewster Prep where he led the program to a 22-10 record. The Worcester native previously served as an assistant coach for Brewster Prep for two seasons.

“Naadir’s basketball journey, from elite prep to the NCAA National Championship to the professional ranks gives him a unique perspective that few coaches can offer,” said Peter Masters, Co-Founder of Masters Academy International. “Our students won’t just benefit from him as a coach, they’ll be guided by someone who has lived every step of the path they’re trying to take.”

In addition to his coaching role, Tharpe has built a reputation as an elite player development coach, working with numerous NBA and high-level collegiate players, including Devin Carter, Tyler Burton and Matas Buzelis.

“What excites me most about joining Masters Academy is that we have the time, structure and resources to truly develop our players and give them a real advantage at the next level,” said Naadir Tharpe. “At most schools, there are limits. At MAI, we can train, teach and build every day and I’m eager to get started and help our players reach their full potential.”

Tharpe joins a rapidly growing basketball program at Masters Academy International, where a nationally recognized staff is being assembled to deliver elite training, academic excellence and a comprehensive student experience.

About Masters Academy International: Masters Academy International (MAI) is an elite boarding and day school opening in Stow, Massachusetts, designed to redefine the student-athlete experience. MAI prepares students to think, train, and perform at professional standards by integrating pro-level coaching, top-tier academics, and comprehensive student development into one aligned model — ensuring students never have to compromise one for the other. The school is operated in partnership with Cognita, a global education leader with more than 100 premium private schools worldwide. MAI provides a structured pathway for students aspiring to compete at the collegiate and professional levels while excelling in the classroom and in life. Learn more at https://www.mastersacademyinternational.com/.

Media Contact: Joe Zarbano, Regan Communications on behalf of Masters Academy International, jzarbano@regancomm.com.