Perry Watson

Perry Watson (born April 30, 1950)

Teams coached: Detroit Mercy Titans
Detroit record: 258-185 (.582)
Overall record: 258-185 (.582)

Career Accomplishments:

  • NCAA National Championships:  0
  • NCAA Tournament Appearances:  2  (1998, 1999)
  • NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen:  0
  • NIT Championships:  0
  • NIT Appearances:  2  (2001, 2002)
  • MCC Regular Season Champion:  2  (1998, 1999)
  • MCC Tournament Champion:  2  (1994, 1999)

Awards:

Coaching Career (head coach, unless noted):

1993-2008 Detroit Mercy
1991-1993 Michigan (asst)

Perry Watson Facts

  • Perry Watson
  • Born April 30, 1950
  • Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
  • Alma Mater: Eastern Michigan University (BA, 1972)
  • The Detroit-native played at Henry Ford College (MI) and then transferred to Eastern Michigan
    • Played for the Eagles for two seasons under head coach Jim Dutcher, graduating in 1972
  • Was the head coach at Detroit Southwestern HS for 12 years before moving up to the college ranks
    • Coached a number of future NBA players during his tenure, including future Fab Five member Jalen Rose
  • Left in 1991 to take a position on Steve Fisher‘s staff at Michigan, coinciding with the Fab Five’s arrival
  • Became the head coach at Detroit Mercy in 1993, leading the Titans’ program for the next 15 years
    • Compiled a 258-185 record at UDM, winning the MCC title and MCC Tournament twice each
    • Was forced to take a medical leave of absence in January 2008 and retired from coaching two months later
      • His 258 wins are the second-most in program history

Perry Watson Coaching Tree

  • Bacari Alexander (Detroit Mercy)
  • Willie Green (New Orleans Pelicans)
  • Kevin Mondro (Detroit Mercy)