In response to inquiries concerning the status of Canisius head men’s basketball coach Reggie Witherspoon, Canisius Director of Athletics Bill Maher announced today that Witherspoon will return to lead the Golden Griffin program for the 2023-24 season. Having just completed his seventh season leading the Griffs, Witherspoon ranks as the fourth-most successful coach all-time on Main Street with 94 wins, 65 of which have come in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) regular-season play. In his time as Canisius’ head coach, nine different players have earned All-MAAC honors, including 2022-23 All-MAAC Third Team honoree Jordan Henderson and MAAC All-Rookie Team selection Tahj Staveskie.
“I have confidence that Reggie can get the program moving in the right direction next year,” Maher said. “The team showed improvement over the second half of the season, and with a solid group of players that are expected to return, I am optimistic about the 2023-24 season. However, it is not lost on me that we need to do more to financially support both of our basketball programs.”
“The vision for the future of this great institution includes enhancing student, alumni and community engagement, and Division I athletics is an important part of that strategy,” Canisius President Steve Stoute said. “I am committed to the development of a plan for athletics that achieves competitive excellence across our programs, elevates Canisius basketball among our peer schools, enriches the culture of engagement on campus and excites our alumni, friends and local community,” Stoute added.
“President Stoute and I are aware of the challenges our men’s and women’s basketball programs are facing in the MAAC,” Maher said. “The obstacles we face to gain ground in our conference are real, and it is our responsibility to be good stewards of our College resources, while also working to foster an environment and culture of excellence.
“I am excited to work with President Stoute as we pursue a shared vision for competitive excellence at Canisius and leverage our NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletic program to achieve the success many of our peer institutions have enjoyed.”
Canisius College has a proud and rich tradition in both its men’s and women’s basketball programs. Long-time members of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, the men’s program dates back to 1903 and includes over 1,300 victories, while the women have recorded more than 600 wins as they close in on their 50th season of play.
