Talking with a Trio of Key Mid-major Contributors — HPP S4-E04

With September nearly upon us, HPP begins to preview every basketball conference in DI, starting with the mid-majors.  In this episode, Rich Harris sits down with Head Coach Steve Smiley of Northern Colorado, Abilene Christian wing Quion Williams, and High Point forward Kimani Hamilton. Coach Smiley has been in charge of the Bears’ program since 2020, after serving as the associate head coach for the four prior years.  During his eight years at UNC, the Bears have averaged 18 wins per season (144-111), including the COVID-shortend season when the team went 11-11.  Last season, Coach Smiley was named the Big Sky Co-Coach of the Year, leading the team to a 12-6 record in conference, which tied for the second place during the regular season. Before joining Abilene Christian in the Western Athletic Conference, Quion played his first two seasons at Oklahoma State.  Last season as a sophomore for the Cowboys, the former 4-star recruit averaged 7.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 48 percent from the field. Kimani, a former 4-star recruit, began his career at Mississippi State.  Last year, he helped the Panthers win 27 games and the regular-season title in the Big South.  A first-team all-conference selection, Kimani averaged 14.9 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while shooting 47 percent from the floor.  In terms of metrics, he ranked in the top five of the Big South for offensive rating (126.8), PER (23.5), win shares (5.5), and plus-minus (4.4).  CHAPTERS:Coach Steve Smiley Interview (2:03)Quion Williams Interview (39:28)Kimani Hamilton Interview (59:48)