Turner Battle, who led the Bulls to their first modern post-season basketball tournament and was the Mid-American Conference Player of the Year his senior season, enters his fifth season as an assistant coach on Witherspoon’s staff.

Battle, who was an Associated Press All-American as well as an ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American his senior season, scored 1,414 points (fifth all-time in UB history) and ranks fourth in Bulls’ history in three-point field goals made (126), fourth in free throws made (306), third in assists (458) and fourth in steals (170). He is credited with changing the face of Buffalo basketball with his leadership both on and off the court. He was inducted into the UB Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010. 

After his collegiate career ended, Battle spent the 2005-06 season playing professionally both locally (with the Buffalo Rapids) as well as around the world in Estonia, France and Sweden. After suffering an injury to his arm, Battle spent time in Buffalo close to the Bulls’ program, while also getting his coaching career started at Sweet Home High School – coach Witherspoon’s alma mater. With Battle on the bench, Sweet Home won the sectional title in a huge upset over perennial power Niagara Falls.