Each year, the Waubonsee Community College Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented to an outstanding graduate of Waubonsee Community College. Awardees have distinguished themselves in their chosen profession, have documented evidence of contribution and service to their community, and demonstrated a continued interest in lifelong education. This year's Distinguished Alumnus is 2012 Waubonsee Community College Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee Tim Buckley.
During his 36-year career, Buckley has earned a successful record of accomplishment as a men's basketball coach at eight colleges across the United States. Recently, Buckley signed a one-year contract with the University of South Carolina as an assistant coach. Prior to this, Buckley served as the assistant coach at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Within Buckley's first season in 2019, the team tied for second place in their division for their best league finish in twelve years. They also defeated the previously undefeated fourth-ranked team for their best road win in 29 seasons. At UNLV, Buckley has pushed players to perform well, both athletically and academically. The team holds a cumulative GPA of 3.1. Buckley's inspirational coaching style helped a UNLV player become the team’s first first-team, all-conference honoree in seven seasons. In just one season, Buckley improved the player’s scoring average by 17 points per game. In 2020, Jeff Goodman of Stadium named Buckley as one of the top assistant coaches in the Mountain West for his work ethic and commitment to excellence in player development.
Before joining UNLV, Buckley was a scout with the NBA Minnesota Timberwolves for two years. In addition, he coached at Indiana University (IU) as an assistant coach before being promoted to associate head coach. During his time at IU, the nationally ranked team won several Big Ten championships and had multiple runs at the NCAA Tournament. Buckley assisted in recruiting McDonald's All-Americans and developing All-American players who went on to the NBA, including 2013 National Player of the Year Victor Oladipo. Buckley’s success earned him the nickname “Shot Doctor” from Indiana fans.
Buckley started his coaching career at Bemidji State University. He then has served in multiple roles as assistant and head coach for various institutions, including the University of Wisconsin, the University of Iowa, Ball State University, and Rockford College. He became the youngest coach nationally at Rockford College and achieved 50 victories in four seasons, the fastest record set by any coach in the school's history. While at Ball State, Buckley led his team to upset wins during the 2001 Maui Invitational. He has also served on the Executive Committee for the MAC and Regional Committees for the NCAA Division I and Division III Tournaments.
Buckley graduated from Aurora Central Catholic High School in 1981 and was recruited by Waubonsee head coach, Jay Bryant, to play on the men's basketball team. "I admired the head coach, I had seen him rise in the ranks from his days as a player, so I followed his career and it was the best decision I could have ever made," said Buckley. At Waubonsee, Buckley found a dedicated support system through Coach Bryant and Assistant Coach, Grayal Gilkey, for his success on and off the court. During his sophomore year, Buckley earned the All-Skyway Conference recognition. “I honestly believe that Waubonsee provided me the foundation I needed for a smooth transition into a four-year institution,” said Buckley. “I also made lifelong friends from that team.” After earning his Associate in Arts in Mass Communication at Waubonsee, Buckley transferred to Bemidji State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a Master of Science in Physical Education. In 2012, he was inducted into Bemidji State University's Athletic Hall of Fame.
The college will recognize Buckley at the upcoming commencement ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 14 at 2 p.m. on the Sugar Grove Campus in the Field House.
