Adam Williams

17 Year College Coaching Vet: Marshall, UCF, Stetson, Longwood, Salem, WV Tech • Megan’s Husband • Nixon & Georgina’s Dad

[Adam Williams @CoachAdamW]

Personal Life Update:

As some of you may have noticed, I have been absent on the Herd bench the last couple of games. Recently I was presented with an unbelievable opportunity outside of basketball that would allow me to spend the time with my family I have always dreamed of.

I will always love the Herd! But that love pales in comparison to the love I have for my wife and children. Megan has been on this journey with me for over 20 years. Through ups and downs as a player and coach. 17 different moves in 4 states. Wins and losses. She’s been a rock of consistency and love. She gave up her dreams to chase mine.

To all the coaches I have worked for: I take a piece of you with me to my new career. And I THANK you for lessons learned and opportunities given. Donnie Jones, Bob Williams, Jayson Gee, Dan D’Antoni, and Cornelius Jackson all believed in me and gave me an opportunity. I want to also thank Shawn Finney for teaching me that coaching was so much more than the stuff “on the floor”.

To my so many friends in coaching: I thank God that basketball has introduced me to you. The great times on the road recruiting, Final Four’s, late night texts of encouragement or congratulations. I’m excited to cheer for you all now from the other side.

To all my former players: it has and always will be about you guys! I’ll miss the guys keeping me young. I’ll miss our talks off the floor about life and anything else other than hoops. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to have been able to impact so many young people, and have them impact me as well.

To Herd Nation: y’all are the best man. Since my time playing here in the mid 2000’s all the way through now, I see the same consistent faces. Fiercely loyal and ready to take on the world. Be excited for this year because Coach Jackson has put together a really talented group who will do big things!

Now I turn my attention to a new career, in a new state once again. Hopefully this will be the last move for a long time. We will be relocating to Knoxville, TN for my position with Stryker medical. I’d imagine I’ll be coaching a little 9 and under AAU ball this summer too.

Again, thank you all for the support over the years, from the bottom of my heart. It’s been a hell of a ride.

Always A Son of Marshall,

Adam Williams

[Adam Williams @CoachAdamW]

@G2GCatching @TDorsey_MU It’s usually a complete coin flip to be honest. And that’s IF you work hard.

[Adam Williams @CoachAdamW]

Have seen a lot of discourse about how ridiculous it is for schools to have unpaid GA’s.

My take for anyone who cares:

These positions come in many forms. Some are at places that may have multiple paid GA’s and are adding to that group by offering a free opportunity.

Some places have NO money and are asking for free help. They just don’t have it.

The worst are those who have it, but still want free help. Bad form there.

The issue isn’t so much the initial sacrifice. It’s the initial sacrifice in combination with a very large chance you “don’t make it”. Paying your dues or earning your stripes, however you want to say it, is much different when there is a high chance of success (think doctor or lawyer).

Coaches may pay their dues for years, never really “make it” financially, and have a massive hole to dig themselves out of at the same time they are trying to start/raise a family. Fair or not, that’s the way it is. Having said that, it’s ok to have compassion for those grinding away, sacrificing time and money just for the small chance they reach their dream.

Admirable and scary at the same time!

[Adam Williams @CoachAdamW]

@G2GCatching Everywhere is different. When I was at UCF our GA’s were out of pocket for everything. 100% volunteer. Tuition, room/board/books, meals…..Would imagine they (UCF) have grown from that.

[Adam Williams @CoachAdamW]

@MattGrossenbach @HoopsGPT The entry point to the profession is brutal. Just as there seems to be a glass ceiling when navigating up levels within the system.

[Adam Williams @CoachAdamW]

@HoopsGPT @MattGrossenbach Not disagreeing, but truth be told this has been a major issue long before NIL.

[Adam Williams @CoachAdamW]

Bill Pullman’s speech before the final battle in Independence Day gets me every dang time.

[Adam Williams @CoachAdamW]

Just watched the Ring doorbell guy get shot down on Shark Tank before he “made it”. I dunno what it says about me, but I love when they get shot down and go on to have massive success.

[Adam Williams @CoachAdamW]

Cavs done mailed it in. Live ball turnovers and can’t bother to cross half getting back.

[Mit Winter @WinterSportsLaw]

One thing getting lost in the current discussion on college athletics, a federal bill, etc.

Universities exist to educate students.

How does modern college athletics serve that goal/mission?

That’s the real discussion that needs to happen among and within universities.

[Adam Williams @CoachAdamW]

Anxious to see how @NCAA is gonna handle this roster being built at LSU. Certainly A LOT of talent if they are cleared.

Also interested to see how LSU handles it if they aren’t cleared. We are just getting started!

[Reggie Tucker @broadway34ever]

Make sure to GO FOLLOW @NDChattMensHoop ⬇️⬇️

Notre Dame Basketball has some of the best young talent in the state of Tennessee. 💪🏾🏀📚☘️

[Adam Williams @CoachAdamW]

@Reghanson Rick $tansbury 😂

[Adam Williams @CoachAdamW]

🏀 I’m ready to get back in the gym!

• Played at Kentucky and Marshall
• 20+ years of college basketball experience
• Former college head coach

Now offering individual and small-group skill development sessions in the Knoxville area.

Contact:
[email protected]

[Adam Williams @CoachAdamW]

@Mospeights16 has been at the heart of Florida basketball for over 2 decades. Now he leads a program truly in the heart of the state. The future for @PolkStateHoops is so bright, we are gonna need 😎. Congrats my man. And congrats to Polk for picking someone who truly cares about the kids!

[Polk Athletics @Polk_Athletics]

A national champion and NBA champion with a proven track record of coaching success at the high school, postgraduate and college levels, longtime NBA center Marreese Speights has been named the new head coach of Polk State Basketball. https://t.co/yNsyFeumOY

[Adam Williams @CoachAdamW]

Congrats to my man @CoachMondragon1! @fsfalcons got a great one. Take it easy on my @SalemTigerHoops if yall play 😉

[Fairmont State Athletics @fsfalcons]

Fairmont State Names Dan Mondragon as the New Head Men’s Basketball Coach
https://t.co/BDiyzPTxTQ

[Dan Christensen @recruitwithdan]

We expect coaches to recruit proactively. ADs should approach hiring the same way. The best fit rarely falls into your lap.

[Adam Williams @CoachAdamW]

@MarshallTBlog “Marshall” or “Mr. Reynolds”. Pick a name, but everyone in Huntington would know who you were talking about.

[Adam Williams @CoachAdamW]

@SD_Phillips Now all the mid and low majors can get to work.