Obviously, college basketball players are
very serious about their game and most
want to pursue a professional career once
their playing days are complete at the
collegiate level. They understandably,
want to make the most of all of their
opportunities to get a fair edge on the
competition and coach Willis Wilson has
constantly put his players in the best
situation to achieve a pro career at the
highest level. Wilson knows the game and
teaches the game in a way that his players
always improve under his tool age. A
professional's professional he has the
contacts with NBA coaches, general
managers and scouts alike to position
players for great opportunities around the
globe. He has coached five players who
have playing careers in the NBA and a host
of others who have gone on to professional
careers both here in the United States and
abroad. Below are just some of the over 30
professional players coached by Willis
Wilson:
Morris Almond
First round draft pick by the Utah Jazz in
2007 after completing an outstanding
collegiate career where he was a
collegeinsider.com All-American,
Conference USA Player of the Year, the
nation’s third leading scorer at more than
27 points per game, and any number of
other honors.
Alex Bougaieff
A multi year veteran playing
professionally in Italy.
Erik Cooper
Participated in the Houston Rockets
training camp in the summer of 2001.
Professional in Venezuela.
Yamar Diene
A multi year veteran playing
professionally in Europe and Africa(France,
Spain, Senegal).
Michael Harris
After an exceptional collegiate career
where he became Rice University's all time
leader in scoring and rebounding, Harris
played one season in the Ukraine and a
season in China before latching on with
the NBA's Houston Rockets.
David Holmes
Played two seasons in Austria (1994-95)
Shaun Igo
Had looks from the Spurs and the Grizzles,
but went to play in Belgium. Was invited
to the Sacrament Kings training camp in
the summer of 2001.
Robert Johnson
Drafted in the ninth round of the 1999 CBA
draft by the Connecticut Pride. Played in
Croatia, Belgium and France.
Adam Keefe
Lottery pick and the 11th player taken
overall in the 1992 NBA Draft by the
Atlanta Hawks. Adam completed an almost 10
year NBA with the Utah Jazz.
Jarvis Kelley Sanni
Plays professionally in France
Tommy McGhee
Began the 1997-98 season with the Detroit
Pistons. Played with Athletes in Action
and in Europe and Russia.
T.J. McKenzie
In National Basketball developmental
League in 2002.
Adam Peakes
Played professionally in France after
graduation.
J.J. Polk
Recently entered law school after playing
professionally in China and Latvia;
competed in the Sacrament Kings camp.
Mick Schuler (Rice head coach, 1977-81)
Assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Past head coach for Los Angeles Clippers
and Portland Trail Blazers. Former
assistant coach with Golden State,
Milwaukee, Minnesota, New Jersey and
Sacramento.
Brent Scott
Spent a season with the Indiana Pacers
after playing with the Larissa club team
in Greece ad Olitalia in Forli, Italy.
Player three season is Spain.
Jason Skaer
Was invited to the Houston Rockers
training camp in the summer of 2001 but
chose to go to seminary school and is
currently a youth minister in Houston,
Texas.
Mike Wilks
NBA player since 2002. Originally signed
with the Houston Rockets. Also played for
Atlanta, Minnesota, Seattle, Denver and is
currently with the Orlando Magic. Won the
National Basketball Developmental League's
Sportsmanship Award in 2002 and a NBA
world championship ring with the San
Antonio Spurs.
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