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Reggie Witherspoon is a proven program builder and respected basketball leader with success as both a player and coach.

 

Playing Career

A 1979 graduate of Sweet Home High School, Witherspoon led his team to a 16–4 record and ECIC Division I Championship, averaging 17.3 points per game. He earned First Team All-ECIC, set a school record shooting 57.9% from the field, and was MVP of the 1979 Phil Scaffidi All-Star Game. He later played under Hall of Fame coach John Beilein and at Wheeling University for Jim O’Brien, earning All-Conference honors.

 

Early Coaching Success
After beginning as an assistant at Sweet Home, he became head coach (1992–1997), leading the program to four consecutive division titles. At Erie Community College (1997–1999), he posted a 44–23 record, won multiple Coach of the Year awards, and led the team to a Region III Championship and national ranking.

 

University at Buffalo (1999–2013)
Witherspoon transformed a struggling program into a consistent winner. Highlights include:

  • First 20-win season and first postseason (NIT) appearance

  • First MAC regular season championship

  • Multiple historic wins over power conference teams (Big Ten, ACC, Big East, Big 12)

  • 198 career wins (among the most in program history)

  • MAC Coach of the Year and National Mid-Major Coach of the Year honors

 

Academic Excellence
His teams achieved a 948 APR, with 41 graduates (including advanced degrees) and an Academic All-American.

 

Later Career

  • ESPN3 basketball analyst (2013–14)

  • Assistant coach at Alabama (NIT) and Chattanooga (NCAA Tournament)

 

Canisius University (2016–2024)
Revitalized the program with:

  • MAAC Regular Season Championship

  • Multiple top-4 conference finishes and postseason appearances

  • School records in conference wins and consistent competitiveness

  • Ranked among the top winningest coaches in program history

 

Additional Contributions

  • Co-founder of Team ACE, developing top high school talent

  • USA Basketball U18 coach (Gold Medal, 2010)

  • NCAA Rules Committee member and NABC leader

  • Organizer of major basketball events at KeyBank Center

 

Summary
Witherspoon’s career is defined by rebuilding programs, achieving historic milestones, and developing student-athletes on and off the court.

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