DAYTON, Ohio - Wright State University has hired Billy Donlon as its eighth head men's basketball coach, Director of Athletics Bob Grant announced on Wednesday. Donlon, an associate head coach at WSU for four years, succeeds Brad Brownell, who accepted a similar position at Clemson on Tuesday.
Donlon, a native of Northbrook, Ill., spent the last four years on Brownell's staff at Wright State. Before coming to WSU in the spring of 2006, he was an assistant for Brownell at UNC-Wilmington for four seasons. During his eight years with Brownell, Donlon helped guide their teams to three NCAA Tournaments, including in 2007 with the Raiders. During the last four years at WSU, the Raiders have won at least 20 games each season.
"Coach Donlon brings not only an ability to continue what has been laid in place but also a wealth of basketball knowledge and expertise to his new position," Grant said. "We are confident that Billy will continue building our program and take Raider basketball to another level of success."
Donlon, a former UNCW star, played an integral role in the success at Wilmington and Wright State. Donlon returned to his alma mater after completing a professional playing career in Germany and coaching stints at American and St. Peter's.
"I first want to thank University President Dr. (David) Hopkins, Vice President Dr. (Dan) Abrahamowicz, Director of Athletics Bob Grant and everyone involved for giving me this opportunity at Wright State," Donlon said. "Wright State is a wonderful university that offers many advantages such as a dedicated faculty and staff; top-notch facilities; a stalwart fan base and an overall desire to succeed on and off the court. I also wish to thank Brad Brownell, who has been my mentor through the years, and especially my family. I can't wait to get started."
During his time in the coaching ranks, Donlon has worked in all areas of coaching, including floor coaching, scouting, planning practice, recruiting, scheduling and public relations. The exuberant 33-year-old has been a major part of every area, especially during the past four seasons as the Raiders have posted an 84-45 overall record. WSU's League record of 49-21 set a new four-tear mark for Raider teams.
Over this period, he has helped develop four All-League players, four named to the All-Defensive Team and two selected to the Newcomer Team as well as Horizon League Player of the Year DaShaun Wood in 2007.
Donlon received one of the Colonial Athletic Association's most prestigious honors in his senior year. He was selected as the recipient of the Dean Ehlers Award for Leadership, presented annually to the player who embodies the highest standards of leadership, integrity and sportsmanship through academic and athletic achievements.
Donlon began his coaching career as an assistant at American in 1999-00 and then moved on to St. Peter's for one season in 2000-01.
In May of 2001, Donlon returned to the court as the starting point guard for the Irish National Team. He also played professionally in Bourg en Bresse in France and with the Avitos Giesssen team in Giessen, Germany.
DONLON NOTES
Personal:
Hometown: Northbrook, IL
Birthdate: Feb. 10, 1977
Education: BA History UNCW, 1999
Experience:
Assistant Coach, American: 1999-00
Assistant Coach, St. Peter's: 2000-01
Assistant Coach, UNC Wilmington: 2001-2006
Associate Head Coach, Wright State: 2006-2010
Head Coach, Wright State: Named April 14, 2010
DONLON QUOTES
"I've known Billy since he was a young kid during my time at Providence College. Billy comes from a great, great family and has been around basketball his entire life. He's a terrific person, a terrific coach, and I know he will do an outstanding job at Wright State."
-- Billy Donovan, University of Florida head coach
"Billy has been around the game his entire life. He was always a coach on the floor as a player which is why I'm not surprised he has turned into an outstanding coach. His basketball pedigree with his father and the coaches that he played for and coached under is very impressive. His passion for the game is second to none. He really relates well to the players and has a great knowledge of the game. Billy has an amazing future ahead of him. Wright State is lucky to have him as their head coach."
-- Chris Collins, Duke University associate head coach
Release courtesy of Wright State sports information department
Tags: Wright State - Men's Basketball
