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Will Spradling is a former college basketball player who played for the Kansas State University (K-State) men's basketball team. During his time at K-State, Spradling was part of a program that reached the NCAA Tournament all four years and won a Big 12 regular-season title. He is one of only four players in K-State history to achieve the impressive combination of 1,000 points, 300 assists, 300 rebounds, and 100 steals. Since his college basketball career, Spradling has gone on to become a coach and teacher, passing on his passion for the sport to the next generation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Sadler Spradling |
| Date of Birth | 7 June 1991 |
| Birthplace | Columbia, MO |
| Hometown | Overland Park, KS |
| High School | Shawnee Mission South High School |
| University | Kansas State University |
| Degree | Business Management |
| Position | Guard |
| Height | 6-2 (188 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lb (83 kg) |
| NCAA Tournament Appearances | 4 |
| Big 12 Regular Season Titles | 1 |
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What You'll Learn
Will Spradling's high school and college basketball career
Will Spradling grew up in Overland Park, Kansas and attended Shawnee Mission South High School. As a high school basketball player, Spradling was named to the Kansas City Star's All-Johnson County Boys' team in both 2007-08 and 2008-09. He was also selected as the conference Freshman and Sophomore of the Year. In his junior year, he averaged 23.2 points per game before a season-ending calf injury in January 2009. As a senior, he was selected first-team Class 6A All-State by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association (KBCA) and the Wichita Eagle. He was also named Sunflower League Player of the Year and averaged 17.2 points and 4.9 assists per game.
Spradling then attended Kansas State University on a full-ride scholarship, where he received a degree in Business Management. As a college basketball player, Spradling was part of a program that reached the NCAA Tournament all four years and won a Big 12 regular-season title. He is one of only four players in Kansas State history to produce 1,000 points, 300 assists, 300 rebounds, and 100 steals. After graduating, Spradling became a coach, influenced by the great coaching he witnessed at Kansas State. He is currently in his third year as the head boys' basketball coach at St. Marys High School, where he has led the top-ranked boys' team in Kansas 2A hoops.
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Spradling's accolades and achievements
Will Spradling is a former college basketball player and current coach who has achieved notable success and recognition throughout his career.
Spradling grew up in Overland Park, Kansas, and attended Shawnee Mission South High School. He then attended Kansas State University on a full scholarship, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. During his time at Kansas State, Spradling was part of a successful basketball program that reached the NCAA Tournament all four years and won a Big 12 regular-season title. He is one of only four players in Kansas State history to achieve the impressive feat of producing 1,000 points, 300 assists, 300 rebounds, and 100 steals.
Spradling's accolades began early in his basketball career. As a sophomore and junior in high school, he averaged impressive numbers, averaging 17.2 points and 4.9 assists per game as a sophomore and 23.2 points per game as a junior before suffering a season-ending injury. As a senior, he was selected as first-team Class 6A All-State by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association (KBCA) and the Wichita Eagle. He was also named to the All-State Second Team by Topeka Capital-Journal and was selected as the Sunflower League Player of the Year and first-team all-conference.
In addition to his high school achievements, Spradling's talent and hard work earned him a spot on the Kansas City Star's All-Johnson County Boys' team in both 2007-08 and 2008-09. He was also recognized as the conference Freshman and Sophomore of the Year, showcasing his early impact in his collegiate career.
After graduating from Kansas State University with a degree in Business Management, Spradling embarked on a coaching career. He is currently in his third year as the head boys' basketball coach at St. Marys High School, leading the top-ranked boys' team in Kansas 2A hoops. Spradling's coaching philosophy is influenced by his own experiences and the great coaches he has worked with, including Frank Martin and Bruce Weber. He aims to develop a family culture within his team and is dedicated to uplifting the next generation of basketball players.
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His transition from player to coach
Will Spradling's transition from player to coach is a remarkable story. Spradling, a native of Overland Park, Kansas, attended Shawnee Mission South High School and went on to have a stellar college basketball career at Kansas State University. He was part of a program that reached the NCAA Tournament all four years and won a Big 12 regular-season title. Spradling is also one of only four players in K-State history to produce 1,000 points, 300 assists, 300 rebounds, and 100 steals.
After graduating with a degree in Business Management, Spradling knew that coaching was the next step in his career. His journey into coaching began at St. Marys, where he became the head boys' basketball coach. The decision to join St. Marys was influenced by his wife, who grew up there, and it provided Spradling with an opportunity to lead the top-ranked boys' team in Kansas 2A hoops.
Spradling's coaching philosophy is influenced by his experiences as a player and the coaches he worked with, including Frank Martin and Bruce Weber. He aims to build a winning culture, drawing on his time at Kansas State and the lessons learned from various coaches. Spradling's dedication to basketball and his unique perspective as a former player have earned the respect of his athletes, who grew up watching him play.
Spradling's impact extends beyond the basketball court. He founded the Spradling Skills Academy in 2014, driven by his love and passion for the game. Through this academy, he aims to help young men and women reach their full potential, both on and off the court, by developing their attitude and skills. Spradling is actively involved in running clinics and working with the teams.
Spradling's transition from player to coach has been a successful one, and he continues to make a significant impact in his new role, uplifting the next generation of basketball players and helping them achieve their dreams.
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The influence of his previous coaches on his coaching style
Will Spradling, a former Kansas State men’s basketball player, has had a decorated basketball career. He is one of four players in K-State history to produce 1,000 points, 300 assists, 300 rebounds, and 100 steals. After graduating, he knew he wanted to pursue coaching. Spradling's coaching philosophy has been influenced by several coaches he played under, including Frank Martin, Bruce Weber, and his father.
Spradling witnessed and was influenced by the coaching styles of Frank Martin and Bruce Weber, both of whom experienced success with the Wildcats. During his time at Kansas State, the team underwent a transition from Martin to Weber, and Spradling was able to observe and learn from both coaches' approaches. He mentions having "a lot of great memories" from playing for Kansas State under Weber and winning a Big 12 Championship. By taking the best elements from these coaches and combining them with his own experiences, Spradling has crafted his unique coaching style.
Spradling's coaching style is also influenced by his father, who likely played a significant role in his basketball journey. While the specific details of his father's influence are not mentioned, it is clear that Spradling values the lessons he learned from him. Additionally, Spradling's time playing for Kansas State and being a part of a winning culture has helped shape his approach to coaching. He understands the importance of creating a positive team culture and a family atmosphere, which he has implemented at St. Marys, where his wife and kids are often present at practices and games.
Spradling's coaching style is likely a blend of the strategies and philosophies he has learned from his previous coaches, as well as his own personal touch. While we don't know the exact details of each coach's influence, it is clear that Spradling has selectively taken what he believes to be the best aspects of their coaching styles and made them his own. This adaptability and willingness to learn from others are signs of a great coach.
Furthermore, Spradling's experience as a player and his understanding of the game have undoubtedly influenced his coaching. His ability to connect with his players, as well as his dedication to uplifting the next generation of basketball players, contributes to his overall coaching style and effectiveness. Spradling's influence extends beyond the court, as he aims to impact his players' lives positively, both on and off the court.
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Spradling's family and their involvement in his career
Will Spradling's family has played a significant role in his basketball career and his journey as a coach. Born in Columbia, Missouri, Spradling grew up in Overland Park, Kansas, where he attended Shawnee Mission South High School. Spradling's family background and his time as a father have influenced his coaching approach and shaped him as a person. He and his wife, Meagan, have experienced the joy of parenthood with two children and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their third. Their daughter, Triss, faced a serious health scare while in utero, battling cysts growing on her lung, which led to her early birth at 31 weeks. The couple's love and support during this challenging time undoubtedly contributed to Spradling's perspective on life and his role as a mentor to young athletes.
Spradling's basketball career began at Kansas State University, where he excelled as one of the winningest players in the program's history. He was a key part of the team, helping them achieve four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and a Big 12 Regular Season Title. His success at Kansas State paved the way for his transition into coaching. Spradling's family connection to St. Marys, where his wife grew up, led him to join the Bears as a coach. The community's support and his own impressive playing career at Kansas State established a solid foundation for his coaching endeavors.
The family atmosphere at Kansas State left a lasting impression on Spradling, influencing how he approaches his role as a coach and mentor. He values the impact of a supportive environment and strives to create a similar culture for his players. Spradling's coaching philosophy is shaped by his experiences at Kansas State and the mentorship he received from coaches Frank Martin and Bruce Weber. By combining the best elements of their coaching styles, Spradling has developed his unique approach to guiding his players.
Spradling's passion for basketball and his desire to uplift the next generation of players led him to establish the Spradling Skills Academy in 2014. Through this academy, he aims to help young athletes reach their full potential, both on and off the court. Spradling's family, particularly his wife and children, have been a driving force in his dedication to nurturing the talents and aspirations of the youth he coaches. His own experiences as a father have likely contributed to his ability to relate to his players and guide them through their challenges and triumphs.
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Frequently asked questions
Will Spradling grew up in Overland Park, Kansas.
Yes, he attended Shawnee Mission South High School in Overland Park, Kansas.
Yes, he attended Kansas State University on a full-ride scholarship and played for the men's basketball team.
Will Spradling played as a guard for the Kansas State University men's basketball team.
After his playing career, Will Spradling became a coach. He is currently in his third year as the head boys basketball coach at St. Marys High School.
