Head coach Anthony Grant has announced that Reggie Witherspoon has been hired as an assistant coach for the Alabama men’s basketball team.

Witherspoon replaces former assistant coach Tony Pujol on the Alabama basketball staff.

"I am excited to announce the addition of Reggie Witherspoon to our coaching staff," Grant said. "Reggie brings a wealth of experience and coaching expertise. His abilities in developing talent and teaching the game are highly respected amongst his peers. His knowledge, combined with his impeccable character and ability to relate to and connect with people will make his transition seamless."

Witherspoon, who has 28 years of experience coaching basketball, most recently spent 14 years (1999-2013) as head coach at the University of Buffalo. He finished his career at Buffalo tied for second in program history with 198 wins.

"My wife and I are very excited to come to the University of Alabama," Witherspoon said. "I am looking forward to working with coach Grant and being a part of the rich tradition of Alabama men’s basketball, as well as its storied and nationally recognized athletics program. Having seen the success that coach Grant has had as a basketball coach, it’s very exciting for us to be connected with him, his family and the way he coaches the game. This is a terrific opportunity and I am really looking forward to continuing my coaching career at Alabama."

Current UConn Athletics Director Warde Manuel, who was the AD at Buffalo from 2006-12 and worked closely with Witherspoon during that time, also had glowing remarks to say about the new Alabama assistant coach.

"Reggie Witherspoon is an outstanding coach and an even better person," Manuel said. "Reggie is someone who can recruit and coach at the highest levels. Anthony Grant has gained a valuable addition to his staff."

Witherspoon began his career at Buffalo as interim coach, which began five games into the 1999-00 season, before earning the position on a permanent basis in 2000. During his tenure, he was named the Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year on two occasions, (2004 by the league and 2012 by CollegeSportsMadness.com), Mid-Major Coach of the Year (2004 by collegeinsider.com) and twice tabbed as an NABC District Coach of the Year (2005 and 2009).

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