Williams leaves program at new level

by David Murray

The legacy of Richard Williams isn't measured by the numbers, the banners, the trophies, the championship rings, or the honors he and his 12 Bulldog basketball teams compiled from 1986-98. It is best seen in the public perception of the Mississippi State program.

Williams, who won more basketball games than any coach in school history, coached his 1996 team to the Final Four.

"To be able to do what we've done and move the program to a level of expectation, honestly, I'm proud of that," Williams said. Williams, a 1967 Mississippi State alumnus, retired from the head coaching job at his alma mater on March 12. A day later, he applauded the promotion of his top assistant, Rick Stansbury, to the top job.

"We've 'raised the bar' is the popular term now," Williams said. "And when you do, people expect it to stay there. I hope the people who support this university, this program, will have realistic expectations of Rick and what he's going to do with this program."

If the new coach can match Williams' achievements, he will do very well indeed. Williams retired after winning more games, 191, and taking his teams farther in postseason play than any of the other 17 Bulldog coaches. His 1995 squad went to the NCAA 'Sweet 16' and to the 'Final Four' a year later. Only 52, he retired with many good years left in his coaching career.

"If people live what's in their heart they can make a graceful exit at the appropriate time," he said. "I am content knowing I have served my university well and helped the young men entrusted to me grow and develop in significant ways."

Significant, indeed. Bulldogs earned 18 All-SEC honors in his dozen years, and 25 times Mississippi State players were on the SEC Academic Honor Roll-an accomplishment the one-time high school math teacher likely took more pride in. Williams himself was twice the SEC's Coach of the Year and was nominated for national coach of the year.

None of this was even dreamed of when Williams, after two years as an MSU assistant, was promoted to head coach in 1986. "There were no expectations," he said, "That's why I got the job."

Now Williams has turned his job over to another Bulldog assistant coach who wants to write his own legacy. Stansbury inherits a program that has sold out season tickets all decade, and is even adding 1,000 seats to Humphrey Coliseum for 1998-99. All part of the Williams record book, too.

Whatever Williams pursues now, a big part of his heart and energy will remain invested in Mississippi State, Director of Athletics Larry Templeton believes. "The most impressive thing I've heard Richard say is, 'This is my university,'" he said.