Adrian Willey Announced As University of Huddersfield Head Coach
In a move that promises to elevate basketball at the University of Huddersfield, the West Yorkshire Hawks have announced the appointment of Adrian Willey as the new Head Coach of the university’s men’s team. Willey, an experienced and respected figure in British basketball, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role, having coached extensively across Manchester. His resume includes tenures at the National Performance Centre and with the Manchester Giants, making him a formidable addition to the Hawks’ coaching staff.
Specialising in Under 23 basketball, Willey has most recently made his mark with the Tameside Vikings, where he developed a thriving U23 programme. As a Level 3 coach, his elite mindset and strategic approach are expected to usher in a new era for the University of Huddersfield’s basketball team. Hawks Co-Founder Mark Mills expressed his enthusiasm about Willey’s appointment, stating, “Adrian is a rare find in British basketball, someone who knows how to coach to a very high standard but also appreciates how a true performance pathway must be built. We are very lucky to have someone of Adrian’s calibre leading both the University of Huddersfield men’s team and also working closely with some of the younger players within the Hawks national league team. I am really excited to see what working with Adrian will enable us to build.”
Willey has already begun his tenure by focusing on recruiting elite athletes for the 2024/25 academic year. His commitment to building a strong team is evident as he shared his excitement about joining the Hawks family, saying, “I am excited to be joining the Hawks family. When I came over to see the Hawks a few times last season I was really impressed by the young talent playing for the Hawks. I cannot wait to see the talent that the University of Huddersfield has and give the wider university something to be really proud of.”
In an effort to attract promising young players, Willey will be leading an open day at the University of Huddersfield. This event, which is scheduled for TBC, is geared towards aspiring athletes considering undergraduate degrees starting in September. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the university’s impressive academic and athletic facilities, meet the coaching staff, and learn more about available scholarship opportunities. Interested individuals are encouraged to send an email to info@wybasketball.co.uk for more details.
With Adrian Willey at the helm, the University of Huddersfield’s basketball programme is poised for growth and success. His proven track record and dedication to nurturing young talent make him the ideal leader to take the team to new heights.