The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Thursday that Willie Watson, who has coached at both Alabama and Marion Military Institute, is now an assistant coach for the Broncs men’s basketball team.
Watson was the interim head coach at Marion Military Institute in 2012-13, leading his team to a win over the No. 1 team in the region while coaching two All-Conference and one All-Region player. He was an assistant coach the previous season, helping the team to a program best 21-9 record while coaching three All-Conference and All-Region players, including the Player of the Year.
Watson was at Alabama from 2005-to-11, initially as a manager before walking on to the team and helping the Crimson Tide to 20 wins and the second round of the NCAA Tournament as a freshman. Watson then returned to his managerial duties, becoming the head manager before earning a promotion to Graduate Assistant upon the completion of his undergraduate degree. During his time there, Watson helped the team to over 100 wins while supervising 11 managers and implementing travel arrangements for more than 60 student-athletes. He also assisted coaches with recruiting, practices, games, team camps and daily office assignments. Watson contributed to the recruiting of four top-25 classes and helped Alabama to the 2011 SEC West Championship and NIT Finals.
Broncs head coach Dan Hipsher worked with Watson from 2009-11, when Hipsher was an associate head coach at Alabama.
"Willie’s a high quality human being with a great work ethic and a great personality," Hipsher said. "He’s come up through the ranks, working all the different jobs you need to understand to be a good assistant. He’s worked at the junior college level and the high major level. In all my experience with him, he was always on time, on top of his work and doing his job. This past year he worked in academic assistance at the University of Alabama and those people had nothing but praise for him. When people praise you for the effort you put forth in an environment that doesn’t lead to your career goal, that’s pretty impressive. Additionally, he has great contacts in the southeast and I think he’s an up and coming coach who will make a great contribution to our program."
Watson earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management in May of 2009 and his Master of Science in Sports Management in May of 2011. He also earned graduate certificates in conflict management, negotiation and mediation.
"I’m excited about this opportunity to be a part of Bronc Country," Watson said. "I’ve worked with Coach Hipsher in the past. He’s a really good guy. I know he stands for all the right things, which is big in my book, in terms of working for high-character people. He’s taught me a lot and I know I can learn a lot more. It’s a great situation here. I see a lot of potential here and I’m excited to get started."
Watson replaces Elwyn McRoy, who is now an assistant coach at Coppin State after spending one season as an assistant coach with the Broncs.
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