Pitt Basketball: Dixon hires Marlon 'Smoke' Williamson to replace Barry Rohrssen

Nothing official out just yet, but some rumors have been surfacing for about a week with Marlon Williamson becoming the new assistant coach for Jamie Dixon. Things are likely becoming finalized tomorrow, but Williamson changing his Twitter bio recently  to "University of Pittsburgh Asst. Men's Basketball Coach" is a pretty good indication that the rumors are likely true.

Marlon Williamson has spent the past two seasons as an assistant for the UMass Minutemen. In addition to his college coaching experience, his basketball background is well regarded on the AAU circuit. More specifically, "Smoke" has great connections to The Family AAU program based out of Detroit. Williamson is a Youngstown State grad, and should provide a presence in recruiting the Midwest for Jamie Dixon.

We will have more on the hiring of Williamson once things become more official, but on the outside this looks like a pretty good move. Pitt lost a well regarded coach and recruiter with Barry Rohrssen. Williamson looks like he can be an ace recruiter with his familiarity on the AAU circuit. He does not bring tons of college experience, but with the emergence of Brandin Knight as a coach, Pitt should be in fine shape.

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