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Central Arkansas’ Corliss Williamson steps down to join Sacramento Kings staff

Corliss Williamson, Robert Crawford, Lenell Brown

Central Arkansas head coach Corliss Williamson talks to guard Robert Crawford (0) and guard Lenell Brown (4) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball against Oklahoma State game in Stillwater, Okla., Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

AP

The college basketball head coaching carousel hasn’t stopped, apparently.

In news that comes as a bit surprising based upon how close schools are to the start of the fall semester, Central Arkansas announced that head coach Corliss Williamson has resigned to join Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Malone’s staff as an assistant.

During his three seasons at Central Arkansas, Williamson posted a record of 26-62. But it should be noted that after winning a total of 13 games in his first two seasons at the helm, Williamson’s Bears went 13-17 last season and earned the program’s first-ever Southland Conference tournament berth.
To follow along with the 2013 Coaching Carousel, click here.

“Coach Williamson’s three years at UCA were very good,” Central Arkansas athletic director Dr. Brad Teague said in the release announcing Williamson’s move. “His hard work is now showing in the level of talent and character his student-athletes bring to our program. 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 asset for their team and community. I know Corliss will contribute greatly to their success and we wish him well.”

Williamson, who spent part of his professional career with the Kings, joins former Ohio State assistant Chris Jent as college coaches who have joined Malone’s staff this offseason. And according to Williamson, it took a special opportunity for him to leave his post at Central Arkansas.

“I honestly couldn’t see myself leaving for any situation other than an opportunity to go back to Sacramento,” Williamson said in the release. “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.”

Central Arkansas, which announced that associate head coach Clarence Finley would be promoted to interim head coach, welcomes back senior guard LaQuentin Miles (15.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg) but has to account for the graduation of forward Jarvis Garner (15.9, 7.0) and guard Robert Crawford (14.8, 4.1).

After Miles Central Arkansas’ leading returning scorer from last season is guard DeShone McClure, who averaged 5.9 points per game last season.

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