University of North Alabama head men’s basketball coach Bobby Champagne has announced the hiring of Willie Watson to his coaching staff. The York, Alabama native returns to his home state after serving the previous season as assistant coach at Kentucky Wesleyan.
“Coach Watson has a reputation as a very successful recruiter, especially in the South,” said Champagne. “He has an infectious enthusiasm for the game and is an advocate for student-athlete academic success.”
Last season, the Panthers posted a 28-3 record while winning the Great Midwest Athletic Conference championship and advancing to the NCAA Division II Tournament. Prior to his lone season at KWC, Watson served two seasons at Division I Texas Rio Grande Valley (2014-15, 2015-16). He also spent one season at Alabama (2013-14) working as an assistant academic advisor for basketball and football.
“He was highly recommended by everyone of his head coaches, Kentucky Wesleyan head coach Happy Osborne, former Alabama head coach Anthony Grant, former UT-Rio Grande Valley head coach Dan Hipsher and current Bevill State head coach Tommy Suitts,” Champagne added. “In my opinion, he has a great work ethic, is a quality person and has a great understanding of the many hats you have to wear as an assistant coach.”
Watson received his first head coaching position when Marion Military Institute chose him as its interim head coach in 2012-13, following one season as their assistant. Watson led his team to a 21-9 record with a win over the No. 1 team in the region while coaching two all-conference and one all-region player.
Before MMI, Watson served as a graduate assistant for two years for head coach Anthony Grant, at his alma mater Alabama. During his time, he contributed to the recruiting of four top-25 classes and assisted the Crimson Tide to the 2011 SEC West Championship and NIT Finals.
Watson initially went to Alabama as a manager before walking on to the team and helping the 2005-06 Crimson Tide to 20 wins and the second round of the NCAA Tournament as a freshman under head coach Mark Gottfried.
His sophomore year, he then returned to his managerial duties, becoming the head manager as a junior. Watson supervised 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 earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business management in 2009 and his Master of Science in sports management in 2011. He also received graduate certificates in conflict management, negotiation and mediation.
He was a four-year letter winner at Sumter County High School, winning back-to-back Class 3A state championships as a junior and senior. He served as team captain his final season.
http://roarlions.com/news/2017/7/3/watson-hired-as-assistant-mens-basketball-coach.aspx
