The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced the 10-member Class of 2014 which includes former American University men's basketball coach and AU Stafford H. "Pop" Cassell Hall of Famer, Gary Williams.
Williams posted an overall record of 72-42 in four seasons at the helm of the program from 1978 to 1982. He led American to two consecutive 20-win seasons, the first since the 1959-1960 season. The Eagles earned two National Invitational Tournament berths and went to the East Coast Conference (ECC) Championships in all four seasons under Williams.
During his time at American, he coached three 1,000-point scorers including American's all-time leading scorer, Russell "Boo" Bowers, who finished his career with 2,056 total points. Williams also developed American's all-time assists leader, Gordon Austin '84, who finished his career with 691 assists. A big part of Williams' legacy is the list of assistants who went on to successful careers including Fran Dunphy, Ed Tapscott and Chris Knoche.
Williams took over the reins of his alma mater in 1990, leading Maryland to back-to-back Final Fours, including a National Championship in 2002. In addition to AU, he coached at Boston College and Ohio State, retiring in 2011 with a 668-380 career record.
The 2014 Naismith hall of Fame class has a Washington, D.C., feel with Coach Williams, former Georgetown center Alonzo Mourning and Washington Wizards guard Mitch Richmond being honored this season.
Immaculata University, Nolan Richardson, Bob Leonard, Nat Clifton, Sarunas Marciulionis, Guy Rodgers and David Stern round out the latest class to earn induction into the hall and will be enshrined on August 8, in Springfield, Mass.
American University's Stafford H. Cassell Hall of Fame has been in existence since 1969. Sponsored by the Cassell Family, the Hall of Fame was developed to recognize the achievement of individuals associated with American University Athletics and Recreation. Cassell was a legendary coach, athletic director and vice president at the university.
