Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Corliss Williamson has big plans for the UCA basketball program. Of course, it could take some time to achieve those dreams as ESPN.com’s Dana O’Neil points out in a recent column.

O’Neil recently caught up with Williamson, the Russellville native and former Arkansas Razorback star.

Williamson has come to this state school that sits a mere 40 minutes from his Russellville hometown with eyes wide open, but eyes also filled with dreams. Once best known as the answer to a hoops trivia question -- then-NAIA Central Arkansas is the alma mater of Scottie Pippen -- Williamson has plans to put the Bears on the basketball map.

The school this year completes its four-year transition to Division I and will be eligible for the postseason, competing in the Southland Conference.

"This school has the potential to really make an impression at the Division I level," Williamson said. "There's a lot going on, a lot of positives and a lot of hype for our team. My job is to create the culture."

It will take some doing. The Bears have gone 43-76 since beginning the transition to Division I.

Not a lot of new ground is covered, but it’s a good read from O’Neil and ESPN.