Murray State University Athletics
Assistant Coach William Small Joins Murray State Basketball
5/26/2011 11:20:10 AM | Men's Basketball
Murray State Men's Basketball Head Coach Steve Prohm announced the hiring of William Small, who joins the Racers' program from the University of Texas–El Paso where he was assistant coach.
“William brings a lot of experience not only in the area of recruiting, but also in his ability to teach student-athletes about the game,” Prohm said. “He'll be an important asset in continuing to keep MSU Basketball at a championship level.”
“I'm very excited about joining the Murray State program,” Small said. “To be back in the Ohio Valley Conference and at the premier program in the league is exciting. As someone who coached against MSU, I always admired the tremendous tradition they have, the fan support and how every season the Racers are going to be one of the teams that can win a championship and be a force in the post season.”
Small has 16 years of experience in the college game as the native of Winona, Miss., has worked and had success at several stops. His experience with former MSU Coach Billy Kennedy and new head coach Steve Prohm laid the foundation for success at Southeastern Louisiana (2000-03). He also assisted at Western Kentucky (2004-05) when the Hilltoppers were 22-9 and played in the NIT. At WKU, Small recruited Courtney Lee, who was Sunbelt Freshman of the Year and was an NBA draft pick by the Orlando Magic.
Small's coaching career started as a graduate assistant at Delta State (1994-95), the rest of his career includes stops at: Cowley Community College (1995-97), Alabama-Huntsville (1997-98), UT Martin (1999-00), Southeastern Louisiana (2000-03), Western Kentucky (2003-05), Troy (2005-06), Tulane (2006-07), Georgia State (2007-10) and then recently at UTEP.
“I've known William for more than 10 years,” Prohm added. “He was a huge part in helping us build the program at Southeastern Louisiana into a championship-level team. He has been fortunate to work with many great coaches during his career and his experience and ideas will be a benefit to me and to our players.”
“First and foremost, Steve is one of my best friends in life,” Small said. “He brings a lot of energy every day and the student-athlete is his main concern, he's focused on them and their well-being. It's going to broaden me as a coach being with Steve, he's going to rely on me and I'm fortunate to have that opportunity.”
Small joins Murray State after serving as assistant coach for Tim Floyd at UTEP in the 2010-11 season were the Miners were 24-8 and finished third in Conference USA with an 11-5 mark.
Small played at Belhaven College in Jackson, Miss., earning a bachelor's degree in 1993. His wife is Paula and his daughter is Chiya.
