Throughout his 19-year stint as a coach in Western New York, Reggie Witherspoon has effectively climbed the coaching ladder rung by rung in a way that one could only call progressive.
Witherspoon's transition into the realms of Division I basketball has followed a path that appears to be almost cyclical in nature - arriving at UB via Erie Community College via Sweet Home High School, ironically located just around the corner from the UB campus.
A life-long native of Western New York, Witherspoon was catapulted into the head coaching job at UB after his rapid tenure at ECC and a lengthy stint at Sweet Home. What may have been a troublesome transition for some was essentially effortless for Witherspoon.
"I think it's been easier for me than if I were never a head coach," said Witherspoon. "I had been in that position of leadership for a while and I didn't really have time to stop and think about it; I just snapped right to what was next."
In a little over two seasons at ECC, Witherspoon collected a 44-23 record, earning him such accolades as Region III Division I Coach of the Year, and Western New York Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. In addition, Witherspoon produced four Division I players, two All-Americans and one Academic All-American.
Witherspoon spent a collective 13 years coaching at Sweet Home High School-eight as an assistant and five as head coach.
Five years ago he landed the job at UB with virtually no coaching experience at the Division I level, but in turn brought along a coaching attitude that was a seemingly perfect fit for a young Division I basketball program that was struggling.
"I really coach because I enjoy it," said Witherspoon. "My philosophy has always been that you do the best possible job that you can with the job that you have and everything else will take care of itself."
Throughout his first four years at UB, Witherspoon has gathered a 21-65 record, including a 2002-03 season in which the Bulls lost 13 games by 10 points or less and went 5-23.
Things have been different this year however, as Buffalo has nearly doubled it's 2002-03 win total and is knocking on the door of a home MAC playoff game.
"I'm proud of the fact that we're growing in terms of our respect around the conference and the perception that the other MAC schools have of us is changing for the positive," said Witherspoon. "Our students deserve that, our university deserves that, and we have to continue to improve that perception because I know it wasn't very good when I first got here."
It is perhaps Witherspoon's passion for basketball along with his persistent effort in bringing success to UB that has made him a fan-favorite despite producing inconsistent numbers in terms of wins and loses, from season to season.
All inconsistencies aside, Witherspoon cites the Bulls' fan base as an extremely positive factor in home contests.
"I really enjoy the student section," said Witherspoon. "The student section has been growing with enthusiasm and by numbers and they are a big part of our energy on the court."
This season, the Bulls find themselves in the middle of the MAC with a 5-6 conference record (9-10 overall). Consistency is a large element of what will ultimately make or break this season for UB. As far as the rest of the season goes, Witherspoon remains optimistic about the MAC championships.
"We're certainly not the favorite to win it, but we're going to have to really subscribe to the formula that we're really going to have to outwork people every minute of every day," said Witherspoon. "If we embrace that philosophy then I think we can beat anybody on any given day ... anything can happen."
While anything can certainly happen, one thing remains clear: Witherspoon is living in the present. He is a man focused on the present success of his UB Bulls and any future personal plans are on the back-burner for now.
"I certainly enjoy this university, I know it well ... I have a love for it and I really want to see us continue to grow."
5 Random Questions
1) Q: If you could coach any sport other than basketball, what would it be?
A: "If I could coach another sport, it would be boxing. I have a tremendous respect for the work that takes place with them. There are no substitutions, they get one minute rest between rounds, there is a lot of physical punishment and there's a lot of mental preparation."
2) Q: Justin and Janet-staged or accident?
A: "At first I thought it was an accident, but now I have no choice but to think it was staged."
3) Q: Who do you think is a more deserving NBA rookie of the year-Carmelo or LeBron?
A: "I think right now in a close race, I would say Carmelo just because his team is doing a little bit better."
4) Q: Tops or Wegmans?
A: "Who is our sponsor? (laughing) I hope it's Tops ... Actually I don't do a lot of grocery shopping, but Tops is about 100 or 200 yards closer to the campus, so Tops."
5) Q: What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
A: "My cholesterol has been high, so I've been trying to stay away from it, but they used to have this thing called 'cookies and cream' and I used to love the 'cookies and cream.'"
