Head Coach: Bill Michaels (Mercyhurst College ’93)
Overall Collegiate Record: 70-58
Overall Combined High School and College Record: 135-80
Williamson Record: 70-58
Men’s Basketball Office: 610-566-1776 ex. 249
Cell Phone Number: 484-686-1026
Assistant Coach: Kevin Brown
Home Facility: Restall Sports Center (400)
2006-07 Record: 14-13, 2nd place in the Eastern Atlantic Conference
National Affiliation: United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Division II
Conference Affiliation: Eastern Atlantic Conference
Recent Basketball History: USCAA National Semi-finalist-2003, 2006. National finalist-2004
Starters Returning/Lost: 2/3
Lettermen Returning/Lost: 7/4
2006-07 Season Review: A Year of Ups and Downs
The 2006-07 season was one that was filled with great highs and lows. In the end the lows just outnumbered the highs as Williamson just missed reaching the USCAA Division II Tournament for the 4th time in 5 years.
Early on the team lost 2 key starters due to academic problems but still managed to weather the storm into the 2nd semester when they caught fire. The team managed to upset #2 ranked St. Joe’s College-Brooklyn. The Mechanics then lost to St. Joe’s in the EAC tournament finals but their solid play late in the year had them ranked as high as #6 in the USCAA Division II poll until a final season collapse doomed their fate as they narrowly missed getting 1 of the 8 national tournament bids. Along the way however freshman Eric Black was named a 1st team USCAA All-American-the first one in Williamson history. Both Eric and Jose Soto were named 1st team all EAC as well.
2007-08 Preview: A New Look
While several veterans return for the 2007-08 campaign, the team’s overall success could very well rest in the hands of some very talented freshmen.
“If these guys stick together and make it through 3 years at Williamson, this could be the finest freshmen basketball class in school history,” commented Coach Michaels.
Leading the way for the returners is senior guard and USCAA All-American candidate Jose Soto. Jose led the team in scoring last year while averaging 19.2 points per game. He is in line to become just the 7th player in school history to score over 1,000 points.
Joining Soto is senior guard and 2006-07 Williamson Athlete of the Year Don Van Horn. The team’s point guard the past 2 years, he will once again be counted on to carry a big part of the load for the team on both offense and defense. Senior swingman Marquis Cuffee also will be counted on heavily on both ends of the floor. Senior C Joe Marshall will also be counted on to provide rebounding and solid play defensively.
Freshman guard Nate Armstrong and freshman forward Davar Watson highlight the freshmen class. Armstrong, a veteran AAU performer can score, pass and defend and will be counted on to do all 3. Watson, who transferred in from Carl Albert State (OK) could be the difference maker. His ability to hit the board inside as well as score from anywhere on the court has the coaching staff excited. A preseason injury to 6’9” transfer (Slippery Rock) standout Brian Campuzano that could end his season is a major blow, but fellow freshmen Kareen Walls has the size and skill to make up for that loss. Freshman guard Pete Achuff should be able to add some instant offense off the bench.
“We’re a long way from being where we want to be but we have shown slight glimpses of what we can be,” commented Coach Michaels. “A lot of things have to fall into place for us to be a national contender but at this time I honestly think that can happen. Keeping our guys healthy and strong academically are 2 major issues, but if we can do that there is no doubt we can be a very good team.”
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