High powered Findlay Prep’s new hoops coach has NBA pedigree
When Todd Simon left Henderson (Nev.) Findlay Prep's national powerhouse basketball program to join the coaching staff at UNLV, it sent an efficient factory of top prospects into disarray. Simon had always been the connective glue between classes at the school, and his departure caused many to question whether the small school's influence on the national prep circuit would immediately wane.
To replace Simon, Findlay had to appoint a proven winner who also understood the program. It feels it did just that in hiring former NBA player Jerome Williams, who was announced as the Pilots new head basketball coach on the school's website.
In what would seem to be a shrewd move, the program also promoted Andy Johnson, who served as a Findlay assistant alongside Williams in 2012-13, to the roles of Program Director and Associate Head Coach. While Williams is the man atop the team's proverbial masthead, it's clear that Johnson will have a say in the program's direction.
"I’m blessed and honored to be the next Head Coach of this elite program," Williams told FindlayPrep.blogspot.com. "I thank the Findlay Education Foundation and Henderson International for allowing me to step into the shoes of Todd Simon and Michael Peck on a quest to win another national championship and produce productive college scholarship student athletes."
Findlay Prep has produced plenty of top college prospects in recent years, with the likes of 2013 top overall draft pick Anthony Bennett, 2011 No. 3 overall pick Tristan Thompson, Boston Celtics star Avery Bradley and fellow NBA players Cory Joseph and DeAndre Liggins.
By featuring a constant rotation of superstars, Findlay has romped to three National High School Invitational titles in the past five seasons. It's now Williams' job to ensure that success continues.
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