CONWAY, Ark. _ University of Central Arkansas men’s basketball coach Corliss Williamson completed his coaching staff this week with the hiring of Clarence Finley as associate head coach.
Finley is well known around the central Arkansas area as a high school, college and AAU coach. He coached previously at Little Rock Parkview, Little Rock Hall and Little Rock Central, as well as served as an assistant under three different coaches at UALR.
“Coach Finley brings years of experience to our program,’ said Williamson. “He’ll bring leadership and direction to our young staff. He has tons of knowledge in player development, scouting reports, off-season training. Overall, he is just very good at what he does, and that’s everything about basketball.’
Finley helped Parkview to two state championships during his tenure under legendary coach Charles Ripley. He helped the Trojans win the Sun Belt championship and make an appearance in the NIT in 1995-96 under coach Wimp Sanderson.
Finley was head coach at Little Rock Central in 2001-02 and led the Tigers to a state runnerup spot. He won an AAU national championship and was twice national runnerup as a coach for a team that featured Williamson among others. Finley also was an assistant coach of the Arkansas Arch Angels of the World Basketball Association in 2005-06.
Finley, who is a first cousin of Williamson’s mother Bettye, joins Jonathan Jackson and Anthony Walker on Williamson’s coaching staff at UCA.
“I’ve known Coach Finley all my life,’ said Williamson. “He’s been my coach, he’s been my trainer in the off-seasons when I was in the NBA, and he’s been my mentor. He’s been a very big influence on my basketball career, both as a player and a coach.’
Finley received his bachelor’s degree from UAPB, where he was a four-year football letterman as a tight end for the Golden Lions and was Most Valuable Offensive Player and team captain as a senior. He received his master’s degree from the University of Arkansas.
Finley comes to UCA from Little Rock Central, where he has been coaching and teaching. He has also been working with high school, college and NBA players in individualized off-season workouts. Finley has a wife, Leticia, three children, Clarence III, Crystal and Cain, and one grandson, Cortez.
