Watson, a graduate of Benedict in 1999, became the head coach at his alma mater, just three years later in 2002. That 2002-2003 season would be significant, as that would be the only season that a Watson coached team has finished under .500 with a 11-14 record. The following season in 2003-2004, Watson earned his first of his eleven 20-win seasons, going 20-9 that season. Watson, 400-172 (.699), in his 21st season, has earned seven SIAC Tournament championships, five SIAC Regular Season titles, and two SIAC West Division titles. The seven-time SIAC Coach of the Year has seen his teams earn 12 NCAA South Region Tournament berths, with one Sweet 16 appearance. Just as impressive, Watson has seen 85 percent of his student-athletes graduate.

Since coming to Miles in the 2018-2019 season, Watson has won 20 games each season and has led Miles to an NCAA Tournament berth (excluding the 2020 Covid season, which he did not coach). In the 2018-2019 campaign, he led Miles to its first SIAC title since 1975 and first-ever NCAA Tournament selection. Watson has the best winning percentage in Miles’ basketball history entering the season at .806 and currently ranks third on the school’s all-time win list with 80 wins.  Watson should surpass Alfred Baker (85-125) this season, leaving Arthur Wilkins (114-67) as the final coach to pass on the school’s all-time win list.

Bryan Poore is an alumnus of West Virginia State University, graduating in 1987. Prior to returning to his alma matter as head coach, Poore spent three seasons at Marshall and five years at the University of Charleston as an assistant coach. During his last season at Charleston, Poore was named Interim Head Coach. Poore has compiled 400-293 (.566) record through his 25-year career. Poore took over the Yellow Jackets in 1999 and is the winningest coach in program history.  

Watson currently sits second on the active wins list by an HBCU coach at a Black College with his 400 victories. Poore, with 389 victories at WVSU, is currently third on the list. Steve Joyner, of Johnson C. Smith, tops the current active list with 581 wins (581-253, .697). Watson also has the second highest winning percentage among current HBCU coaches with his .699 winning percentage, trailing Lonnie blow of Virginia State’s .702 percentage (233-99, 12 seasons).