Coach's Corner - Antonio Williams, Bladensburg Boys Basketball

This summer, CSZ will be doing a segment on the WICKipedia entitled "Coach's Corner". In this feature, we'll be conducting Q&A's with various coaches from around Maryland to learn more about their coaching processes, and why they love coaching.

Today we're featuring Antonio Williams, who coaches basketball at Bladensburg High School in Prince George's County! Coach Williams spoke with us about a variety of topics, including why he enjoys coaching basketball in Prince George's County!

County Sports Zone:How did you get your start with coaching?

Antonio Williams:Well, I received my first high school coaching opportunity from Coach Dean Brooks in 2003. Coach Brooks has had the most influenced to my coaching style. I learned so much from him- Coach Brooks is all about family, community and loyalty.

CSZ:Why do you coach? What about it do you enjoy?

AW:I coach mainly because of how much of a positive influence a coach can have on kids, and I love being a part of the student-athlete overall development. I love to see the kids grow into men and become graduates. It's good to see them return with their "thank you's."

CSZ:Specifically Bladensburg- why do you enjoy coaching there?

AW:As a proud Bladensburg alum of the class of 1997, I love everything about my school. Our alumni is a tight group. It's all about family, we bleed maroon and protect the white.

CSZ:Talk a little about coaching basketball in Prince George's County. Is it a fun league to coach in because of the large number of talented teams?

AW:Coaching in our league is awesome, it's a challenge every night. Having the chance to represent our county, is special and man, it's a joy to do so. Having the unique opportunity to connect with former head coaches over the years, such as George Wake (Fairmont Heights), Artie Walker (DuVal), Irv Hay (Forestville), and James Butler (Bladensburg and Surratsville) before he passed.

I’ve had the opportunity to coach directly under Coach Hay and Coach Butler at Bladensburg during my early years. They taught me a lot, and I'm ever so grateful.

CSZ:What're some characteristics of teams that are coached by you? What do you try to instill in your players?

AW:Our team philosophy is centered around, playing hard, smart and together. We are a team first type of program. Players will continue to play as one. We are extremely high on development, using our JV program to develop our young guys.

CSZ:It's a ways off, but looking ahead, what are your goals and expectations for Bladensburg basketball next season?

AW:I'm so excited about the upcoming season. After graduating nine seniors this past season, some may label this season as a rebuilding year. But for us it's time for our young guys to mature, and take full advantage of the opportunity. Next man up, no opportunity wasted.

This season we may have all underclassmen, all of which played in our JV program. All of our potential players were developed on the JV program coached by Jon Jones, Chris Alao and Roderick Pegram. They have done an excellent job in developing our student athletes. With that being said, we will still compete hard, and use every game as a chance to get better. We call it winning and learning. We will prepare and be ready for a playoff run in March.