June 3, 2008

EASTON, Pa. - The Lafayette men's basketball program welcomes Pershin Williams as the newest addition to the Leopards' staff. Williams spent the past season as an assistant coach at the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

At USMMA, Williams worked under head coach John Krikorian, a Lafayette assistant from 2002-2004. Before arriving in Kings Point, N.Y., he served as a graduate assistant at Georgia Tech where he coached with current Lafayette assistant Pete Schwethelm, and current Georgia Tech assistant and former Lafayette assistant John O'Connor. Williams served roles in player instruction, recruiting development and basketball operations.

"Pershin Williams is a welcomed addition to our basketball staff," said Lafayette head coach Fran O'Hanlon. "Having worked with two of our former assistants at both Georgia Tech and the Merchant Marine Academy, he is very familiar with the Lafayette program. In addition, as a native of Georgia, coach Williams expands our recruiting network in the South. We are excited to have Pershin be part of the Leopard family."

Prior to entering the coaching ranks, Williams ended his standout collegiate career at North Florida. As a transfer point guard for the Division I program in Jacksonville, he set single-season school records for assists (161) and steals (69). Williams spent his first three seasons at Columbus State (Ga.). There he helped his squad to a 27-5 record and a top national ranking as the point guard in his junior season.

Williams received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education of Sports Leadership from North Florida in 2005 and is working towards his Masters in Sports Administration from Georgia Tech. A native of Columbus, Ga., Williams replaces Mike Farrell, and joins Josh Loeffler who recently took over top assistant duties.

The Leopards open their 2008-09 season on Nov. 7 at Wagner.