Williams, USF's first basketball coach, dies at 84
Don Williams, a pioneer of USF's early sports development as the Bulls' first men's basketball coach, died Thursday morning. He was 84.
Williams, who coached USF in its first three seasons from 1971-74, went 33-42 as head coach, including a victory in the Bulls' first game against Stetson in December 1971.
"He reminded me of a Tom Landry, a quiet guy with a lot of dignity, but he was fierce," said Joe Tomaino, who had just started working at USF when Williams coached the Bulls. "Don Williams was one of the icons."
Williams, who also coached at Tampa's Hillsborough High from 1953-62, is the third notable member of USF's early basketball days to pass away in the last six months. Richard "Dick" Bowers, who was USF's athletic director from 1963-82, died in November, and John Kiser, a captain on the first Bulls team, died in August.
Times sportswriter Greg Auman, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin and we invite your participation in the comments area.
I was the manager of the very first USF Golden Brahman basketbull team in 1970-1971. We went 19-4 with all freshman as we played junior varsity and junior college teams throughout Florida. Curtis Hixon Hall rocked as beat the Gators junior varsity team in our very first game! Coach Don Williams was a quiet, soft-spoken gentleman. He was kind to all. I have great memories of him and assistant coach Bob Shiver.
Posted by: CoralSpringsBull | February 28, 2008 at 08:11 PM
Today we lost a true pioneer in Hillsborough County Basketball and USF history.
The "First Family" of USF basketball will be in our prayers. Rest in peace Coach Williams.
The Grier Family
Posted by: Tony Grier | February 29, 2008 at 03:46 PM
I had the great opportunity to play for Coach Williams the 1st 2 years of USF Basketball. I have very fond memories of he and his family. They allowed me to stay with them for awhile during the summer of 1971. He was there to help everyone. He was all business on the court but was truly a compassionate man off the court. The things I learned from him have stayed with me for years. At the time I didn't realize just how much an impact he would have on me. My sympathies and support go out to his family. He was truly a great man.
Posted by: Bill Lear | March 01, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Great to see people who knew him best chime in here. USF has lost three great parts of that first season of basketball in the last few months ...
Posted by: G.A. | March 01, 2008 at 12:34 PM