The Sacramento Kings have hired retired NBA forward Corliss Williamson as an assistant coach, according to the Associated Press.
Williamson was the head coach of the University of Central Arkansas Bears the past three seasons.
"I honestly couldn't see myself leaving for any situation other than an opportunity to go back to Sacramento," Williamson said through a statement the university released. "It's a place where I cut my teeth as a rookie in the NBA, spent over half of my career there. It's an area that reminds me a lot of Arkansas, with the people, the fans they have there. It's just a great opportunity that I have now to return there and be able to coach at the highest level."
The University of Arkansas product spent 12 seasons in the NBA. He was a part of the 2004 Detroit Pistons team that won the NBA Finals. As a member of the Pistons he also won the Sixth Man of the Year award for the 2001-2002 season. He was drafted by the Kings in 1995 and retired with them in 2007. While at UArk he was an All-American.
Williamson’s occupation change was first reported by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.*
After Williamson took over the Bears’ job in 2010 the team went onto have a combined record of 26-62 for the next three seasons. Last season the team achieved the school’s second highest win total (13-17 record in 2012-2013) since they started playing Division 1 basketball in 2006.
"His hard work is now showing in the level of talent and character his student-athletes bring to our program," UCA’s athletic director Brad Teague said. "We appreciate all he has done for UCA basketball to lay a foundation for future success. The Sacramento Kings will now have a valuable coaching assistant for their team and community. I know Corliss will contribute greatly to their success and we wish him well.
According to Teague, assistant coach Clarence Finley will take over the head coaching duties for the 2013-2014 season while the team looks for a long-term replacement.
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