Following the retirement of Steve Knight – the winningest college basketball coach in Mississippi history – William Carey has found a new head coach for its men’s team.
And the university’s athletics department didn’t have to look far.
Phillip “PJ” McCray was announced Wednesday as Knight’s successor. McCray was a longtime assistant under Knight, for 12 seasons, before getting the promotion. He initially was brought aboard as a graduate assistant, a position he held for two seasons, before becoming the “right-hand man” to Knight, according to WCU athletics. McCray even stepped in as interim head coach at times this past season due to Knight missing time with health matters.
“I know we have the right guy for the job,” athletic director Tracy English said. “If there was ever ‘on the job training,’ it’s Coach McCray. With all of the time Coach Knight missed the last couple of years, PJ was outstanding. I’m excited for him and look forward to the future of our program.”
McCray is a native of McComb and played under Knight after transferring from Southwest Mississippi Community College. In two seasons, he played in 52 games and helped the team to a total of 38 wins during that span. It also included a Southern States Athletic Conference west division championship in the 2012-13 season and a subsequent berth into the NAIA postseason. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2013 before obtaining his master’s degree in 2014, both from William Carey.
During his time on staff with William Carey, McCray has been a key piece to a historically successful puzzle. He has helped lead the team to five SSAC championships and one NAIA Fab Four finish. This past season, the Crusaders achieved a program-record 28 wins.
“I am extremely grateful and excited to accept the position as the new head coach of men’s basketball for William Carey,” McCray said. “I give all the honor and glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God has been more than good to me, and without him, I am nothing. I would like to thank our president, Dr. Ben Burnett, [English], and our entire administration for selecting me to lead this team.”
As part of his introduction, McCray gave credit to Knight for not only taking a chance on him as both a player and assistant coach but being a mentor for well over a decade.
“Coach Knight has a special place in my heart,” he said. “I’ll be forever thankful for who he is and what he has done for me. Allowing me to begin my coaching career as his assistant must have been risky and full of uncertainty, but I’m thankful for the opportunity and for allowing me to grow in this profession.
“My goal as a head coach is not to try and beat any of his records. I only seek to continue his legacy and lead this basketball program to the best of my ability. I look forward to continuing to help young men develop and mature and will hold our student-athletes to a high standard of excellence on and off the court.”
Knight announced his retirement in March after 44 years on the job. The Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer wrapped his career with 819 wins and 19 conference championships.
William Carey will tip off year one of the McCray era in late October. The full 2026-27 schedule has not yet been announced.
