Yesterday while flipping channels I happened on Marquette versus Louisville on ESPN. Shockingly the Cardinals had jumped to a 18-2 lead that would have made most viewers hit the remote looking for something a little more interesting. However, I was very interested in this game as I have known Marquette Coach Buzz Williams for a number of years and was pretty sure with his personality and coaching style and leadership, the Golden Eagles would never give in. Amazingly by halftime, Williams’ squad had gained the lead and by the end of the game had a relatively easy 11 point victory. Teams clearly manifest the personality of the Head Coach and this game told the story of Brent “Buzz” Williams and his total commitment to his vision.
Buzz has always focused on his vision of being a major Division 1 Head Basketball Coach and never gave up regardless of how tough the road to success might have been. Unlike many coaches of today, Williams did not come out of one the famous “coaching trees”. Not having a Coach K, Pitino or Izzo to open doors and help with potential jobs, Buzz did it the old-fashioned way with hard work and unbelievable determination. Starting as a student manager and quickly being given the role of student coach, Williams began his career at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas (hardly the cradle of coaches). After graduating from Junior College, the college coaching career of Williams advanced through a steady progression of better opportunities and remarkable success. Amazingly every stop on his long journey had one thing in common, quality players and great seasons. Progressive moves starting in 1992 at Oklahoma City University, through UT Arlington, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Northwestern State, Colorado State and Texas A&M set the stage for his first head coaching job at UNO in 2006. Amazingly Buzz had to deal with post-Katrina issues (no home court, no dorms, no money ) and managed to notch 14 victories, the equivalent of the win total for the last three years of the program. Tom Crean came calling and a great marriage began in Milwaukee.
Williams’ journey sets a great example for all leaders of having the vision and determination to reach a goal. I was always so impressed with him in that he is totally committed to his vision and has never faltered. He never lets barriers or intermediate setbacks get in the way of his goals. His work ethic is second to none and his followers quickly pick up on that. Great leaders and winners do not look at barriers as obstacles but rather opportunities. Of all the coaches I have gotten to know over the years, Buzz Williams has persevered and achieved and done it through his positive attitude, sheer determination and gargantuan work capacity with a single-mindedness that does not accept failure. All great leaders reject failure and learn from the setbacks that they incur. Coach Brent “Buzz" Williams has succeeded through his own efforts and leadership skills.. I congratulate him and the Golden Eagles.
I can assure you one thing, his teams will never give up. Just ask Rick Pitino.
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