Hiring Billy Donlon after his playing career was a no-brainer for WSU head coach Brad Brownell as success has followed the 31-year coach much of his career. Others think so as well as shown by his recent inclusion as of the nation's top assistant coaches by Collegeinside.com. Donlon, who is in his fourth season at Wright State after serving as an assistant at UNC Wilmington for four years, has been an important cog in Brownell's success at both places that includes three NCAA berths in six years.

Following the 2007-08 season, Donlon was named one of the top 10 mid-major assistant coaches in the action by FoxSports.com. The story, written by FoxSports.com columnist Jeff Goodman, cited votes from more than 450 head coaches, assistant coaches and others that deal with assistant coaches on a regular basis.

"Billy has worked hard to improve his skills and talents in this difficult field and is certainly deserving of this honor," WSU head coach Brad Brownell said. "He is truly one of the bright, young coaches in college basketball and we are fortunate to have him at WSU. Billy has been an integral part of our success at UNC Wilmington and now here at Wright State."

"As a former player and now as a coach, Billy understands what it takes to build a successful program," added Brownell. "His experience on successful college teams and playing professionally overseas as well as his infectious enthusiasm will benefit our players greatly."

Donlon received one of the Colonial Athletic Association's most prestigious honors in his senior year at UNC Wilmington as he was selected as the recipient of the Dean Ehlers Award for Leadership. The award is presented annually to the player who embodies the highest standards of leadership, integrity and sportsmanship through academic and athletic achievements.

A native of Northbrook, Illinois, Donlon began his coaching career as an assistant at American in 1999-00 and then moved on to St. Peter's for one season in 2000-01.

In May of 2001, Donlon returned to the court as the starting point guard for the Irish National Team. He also played professionally in Bourg en Bresse in France and with the Avitos Giesssen team in Giessen, Germany. The Beavercreek resident is the father of a three-year-old daugher, Maren Grace.

Donlon Notes
Hometown: Northbrook, IL
Birthdate: Feb. 10, 1977
Education: BA History UNCW, 1999

Experience:
Ass't Coach American 1999-00
Ass't Coach St. Peter's 2000-01
Ass't Coach UNC Wilmington 2002-2006
Associate Head Coach Wright State 2006-present