Willie Watson joined the men's baskebtall team as an assistant coach on July 23, 2014.
Watson spent the 2013-14 season working in academic assistantce at the University of Alabama.
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 previously 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.
UTRGV head coach Dan Hipsher worked with Watson from 2009-11, when Hipsher was an associate head coach at Alabama.
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.
