Oklahoma State University Athletics
Jimmy Williams Signs on as Men's Basketball Assistant Coach
June 21, 1999 | Cowboy Basketball
May 17, 1999
STILLWATER, Okla. -- Jimmy Williams has been hired as an assistant men's basketball coach at Oklahoma State, Cowboys head coach Eddie Sutton announced today.
"We're really excited that Jimmy is coming to Stillwater," said Sutton. "He has a terrific background in coaching, having worked with some of the best coaches in the game, and he is proven as one of the outstanding recruiters in college basketball. We're happy to hire someone who is not only a quality basketball coach but also a quality person. He will be a welcome addition to our staff."
Williams comes to OSU from the University of Nebraska, where he served on Danny Nee's staff for seven years, including the last three as associate head coach. During his seven years on the Cornhuskers' staff, Nebraska averaged 19.9 victories per season and reached postseason play seven times, including three NCAA appearances and an NIT championship.
Prior to joining the Nebraska staff in the summer of 1992, Williams had served as assistant coach under Jim Brandenburg at San Diego State (1989-92), J.D. Barnett at Tulsa (1988-89) and Bill Musselman and Jim Dutcher at Minnesota (1971-86). During his career, Williams has recruited and coached 24 student-athletes who went on to play in the NBA, running the gamut from former Celtic great Kevin McHale to 1998 first-round pick Tyronn Lue.
"After seven good years at Nebraska, I analyzed my situation and decided that a change was necessary," said Williams. "I looked at a few head coaching jobs, but only one assistant job attracted me, and that was Oklahoma State. Although it may look like a lateral move, I believe that it's slanted upwards since I'll have a chance to work with someone who is a potential Hall of Famer in Eddie Sutton.
"I think it's a very good fit. Oklahoma State has a very good coaching staff, and although they don't need any help at all in the X's and O's area, I think I can help a great deal in the recruiting area as well as contributing on the basketball court. For me, the chance to work with Coach Sutton is quite an honor."
The appointment of Williams fills one of two assistant coaching positions on the OSU staff. The jobs were vacated when former OSU assistants Paul Graham and Randall Dickey moved to Washington State University as head coach and assistant coach, respectively.
