Phillip McCray has been promoted to Head Men鈥檚 Basketball Coach at William Carey University, succeeding Steve Knight, who retired after leading the team to a Southern States Athletic Conference Championship and a school record of 28 wins. McCray has served as an assistant coach for twelve seasons, contributing to five SSAC Championships and one NAIA Fab Four finish, the best in the program's history. Expressing gratitude, McCray aims to build on Knight's legacy and maintain high standards for student-athletes both on and off the court. He previously stepped up as interim head coach while Knight was recovering from surgery, demonstrating his capability to lead the team successfully.

By the Numbers
  • McCray was part of the coaching staff for five SSAC Championships.
  • Under his leadership, the Crusaders achieved a school record of 28 wins in a season.
State of Play
  • McCray has extensive experience, having been with the program for over a decade.
  • He excelled as a fill-in head coach during Knight's absence, maintaining a perfect win record.
What's Next

As the new head coach, McCray is expected to implement his vision for the program, focusing on player development and upholding the team鈥檚 competitive standards. Future recruiting efforts will likely reflect his approach to team building and performance enhancement.

Bottom Line

McCray's promotion signifies a continuity of success for the Crusaders' basketball program, with expectations for sustained excellence and player accountability under his leadership. His commitment to honoring Knight's legacy while forging his path positions him as a capable figure in collegiate basketball.