University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Eustachy Completes Basketball Staff
10/15/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Eustachy Completes Basketball Staff HATTIESBURG, Miss.
Wilson comes to Southern Miss after a successful career in the business world and in the education system. He is no stranger to Head Coach Larry Eustachy or his style of play, having played for him at the University of Idaho in the early 1990s.
"We're excited to have Ricky join our staff," Eustachy said. "His appointment falls into the practice of hiring people who are familiar with our program and our style of play.
"Ricky was one of the five toughest players I've ever coached, and that should carry over into his coaching ability on the court."
The hiring completes the staff of the former National Coach of the Year, as Wilson joins Associate Head Coach Steve Barnes, Assistant Coach Austin Norris and Coordinator of Operations Nate Loenser.
Wilson was a standout player under Eustachy at Idaho, helping lead the Vandals to an overall record of 42-22 over his two seasons (1991-93). After transferring from Walla Walla Community College, Wilson shined in his junior and senior seasons for Eustachy. During both of his seasons, he led the team in assists, finishing with 257 career assists, including an astounding 176 assists in his senior campaign ? which also ranked him second in the Big Sky conference that season. The guard also averaged 4.3 points over his career.
During his time with the Vandals, Wilson was honored by being named to the Big Sky All-Conference First Team following his senior season. He also was awarded Idaho?s Oz Thompson Award in both 1992 and 1993, an award presented to the squad member who best inspires sportsmanship, scholarship and leadership.
Prior to playing at Idaho, Wilson was a two-year starter at Walla Walla Community College, averaging 13.5 points and 5.6 rebounds his sophomore season. He also was a two-year letterman at Walla Walla High School, where he earned first team all-state honors his senior season.
Wilson is married to the former Sylvia Drayton of Hillside, N.J. The family also includes daughters Javia (7) and Talia (8 mos.).
