Former Old Dominion University guard Drew Williamson spoke on May 11 about his experiences reaching the NCAA Final Four twice, once as an assistant coach at Florida Atlantic in 2023 and again this spring with Michigan, which won the national championship. Williamson said he did not take either opportunity for granted. “Whether you play or coach college basketball, you always look forward to and remember March Madness. And you look forward to watching One Shining Moment,” Williamson said of the post-tournament highlight video produced by CBS. “The surreal thing is to watch One Shining Moment from the stage. Outside of the game, that was the coolest moment of all, sharing it with family and friends and the team. As a coach, you go to the Final Four, you go to all those coaching conventions and you kind of look out there and say ‘man, I would love to coach in the Final Four one day.’ To have the opportunity to do it twice, you don’t take it for granted.”
Williamson’s journey began in Burlington, North Carolina where he excelled in both football and basketball at Hugh Cummings High School before choosing basketball as his primary sport. He initially committed to North Carolina but changed course after a coaching change led him instead to Old Dominion University (ODU), where he became a four-year starter at point guard.
Blaine Taylor, who coached Williamson at ODU, described him as dependable: “He was always available,” Taylor said. “He didn’t miss games. Drew just suited up, showed up and won.” Taylor also recalled moments when Williamson demonstrated leadership qualities that later helped him transition into coaching roles.
After playing overseas in Germany following graduation from ODU, Williamson returned as director of basketball operations for ODU before moving into collegiate coaching positions at Virginia State University—where he helped win two CIAA championships—and then joining Dusty May’s staff first at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and later at Michigan.
May’s teams have made notable use of transfer players; Michigan became “the first national championship team to win with transfers at every starting position.” Following their title win this year with Michigan under May’s leadership—who brought several assistants including Williamson—the staff quickly turned attention toward recruiting new talent through transfer portals due to ongoing roster changes.
Williamson remains connected with ODU Head Coach Mike Jones: “I don’t get back to ODU as much as I would like,” Williamson said. “I stopped by last year because we had a few guys play in the PIT… I will always root for ODU. It will always be my school.” Jones responded positively about their relationship: “I’ve always thought very highly of him… He’s been amazing… He’s been so supportive of our program.”
Looking ahead professionally while expressing satisfaction working under Dusty May at Michigan—”I work for a great head coach who understands the dynamics of working hard”—Williamson hopes eventually “to become a head coach.” He added: “I feel like becoming a head coach should be the next step for my career. I feel like I’m ready…and waiting for someone to give me that chance.”
