University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Morrell Adds Woody Taylor as Assistant Coach
08.15.2019 | Men's Basketball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville head men's basketball coach Mike Morrell announced the hiring of Woody Taylor as assistant coach, Thursday, Aug. 15.
Taylor joins the Bulldogs staff after two seasons as an assistant coach at Bethune-Cookman, where he helped usher in unprecedented success for the Wildcats' program. During the 2017-18 season – his first with the Wildcats – the team went 12-4 in MEAC play and earned a share of the regular-season conference title for just the second time in program history.
"I'm really excited to add Woody to our coaching staff," Morrell said. "He brings a wealth of experience from various programs. I'm encouraged by his ability to mentor our student-athletes and help them grow as players and people as well."
During their regular season championship, the Wildcats broke numerous school records, including scoring (2622 points and 81.9 per-game), free throws (575), attempts (820), rebounds (1346), rebounding average (42.1 and second nationally behind UNC) and assists (501).
Two of Taylor's pupils earned postseason recognition as Brandon Tabb was named MEAC Player of the Year, while Soufiyane Diakite took home the conference's Defensive Player of the Year Award. Additionally, Shawntrez Davis and Isaiah Bailey earned All-MEAC honors, along with Tabb and Diakite.
In his second season, Taylor coached another MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, as Cletrell Pope took home the hardware after setting a MEAC single-season record with 22 double-doubles during the 2018-19 season, leading the nation with 4.32 rebounds per game. Pope led the MEAC and ranked 13th nationally with 7.84 defensive rebounds per game and hauled in 12.2 boards per game to rank third in the country.
In addition to Pope who earned First-Team All-MEAC honors, Taylor also coached Second-Team selection Malik Maitland and Davis, who earned Third-Team recognition.
"I'm ecstatic to be joining the Bulldog Family," Taylor said. "We had our first staff meeting Tuesday morning and it was full of energy, and I love energy and seeing everybody's passion for the school and passion for the Bulldogs.
"I'm extremely appreciative of Coach Morrell for this opportunity. I'm looking forward to a bright future here with Bulldog Nation!"
Prior to his time at Bethune-Cookman, Taylor served as associate head coach at Salem (WV) International University during the 2016-17 season.
Taylor spent the three prior seasons at Marshall, where he began his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 2013. His core responsibilities included breaking down film, creating scouting reports, on-campus recruiting and player development.
Taylor earned a promotion during the 2015-16 season to interim assistant coach under head coach Dan D'Antoni. The Thundering Herd offense soared to new heights, averaging 86 points per game, which was tied for second nationally. The Herd obliterated school records in points scored (2,838) and 3-point field goals made (322) that year.
Before he took to the coaching ranks, Taylor had a standout career as a point guard for Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, from 2009-13. He helped lead his team to three-consecutive 20-victory seasons, and appearances in the NCAA Division II Tournament as a junior and senior. Upon graduation, he ranked fifth in Eckerd history in games played, sixth in assists and seventh in free throw percentage and steals.
Taylor joins the Bulldogs staff after two seasons as an assistant coach at Bethune-Cookman, where he helped usher in unprecedented success for the Wildcats' program. During the 2017-18 season – his first with the Wildcats – the team went 12-4 in MEAC play and earned a share of the regular-season conference title for just the second time in program history.
"I'm really excited to add Woody to our coaching staff," Morrell said. "He brings a wealth of experience from various programs. I'm encouraged by his ability to mentor our student-athletes and help them grow as players and people as well."
During their regular season championship, the Wildcats broke numerous school records, including scoring (2622 points and 81.9 per-game), free throws (575), attempts (820), rebounds (1346), rebounding average (42.1 and second nationally behind UNC) and assists (501).
Two of Taylor's pupils earned postseason recognition as Brandon Tabb was named MEAC Player of the Year, while Soufiyane Diakite took home the conference's Defensive Player of the Year Award. Additionally, Shawntrez Davis and Isaiah Bailey earned All-MEAC honors, along with Tabb and Diakite.
In his second season, Taylor coached another MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, as Cletrell Pope took home the hardware after setting a MEAC single-season record with 22 double-doubles during the 2018-19 season, leading the nation with 4.32 rebounds per game. Pope led the MEAC and ranked 13th nationally with 7.84 defensive rebounds per game and hauled in 12.2 boards per game to rank third in the country.
In addition to Pope who earned First-Team All-MEAC honors, Taylor also coached Second-Team selection Malik Maitland and Davis, who earned Third-Team recognition.
"I'm ecstatic to be joining the Bulldog Family," Taylor said. "We had our first staff meeting Tuesday morning and it was full of energy, and I love energy and seeing everybody's passion for the school and passion for the Bulldogs.
"I'm extremely appreciative of Coach Morrell for this opportunity. I'm looking forward to a bright future here with Bulldog Nation!"
Prior to his time at Bethune-Cookman, Taylor served as associate head coach at Salem (WV) International University during the 2016-17 season.
Taylor spent the three prior seasons at Marshall, where he began his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 2013. His core responsibilities included breaking down film, creating scouting reports, on-campus recruiting and player development.
Taylor earned a promotion during the 2015-16 season to interim assistant coach under head coach Dan D'Antoni. The Thundering Herd offense soared to new heights, averaging 86 points per game, which was tied for second nationally. The Herd obliterated school records in points scored (2,838) and 3-point field goals made (322) that year.
Before he took to the coaching ranks, Taylor had a standout career as a point guard for Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, from 2009-13. He helped lead his team to three-consecutive 20-victory seasons, and appearances in the NCAA Division II Tournament as a junior and senior. Upon graduation, he ranked fifth in Eckerd history in games played, sixth in assists and seventh in free throw percentage and steals.
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