WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. –
Brandon Roughley is a winner.
The senior captain and forward on the Williams College men's basketball team has competed in three NCAA Division III Tournaments and two NESCAC Championship games during his illustrious Ephs' chapter. Since his basketball journey started in Williamstown, Massachusetts, during the 2021-22 season, Williams has compiled a 72-20 overall record and a 21-7 mark in conference, while reaching the Sweet 16 twice and going 5-3 in the NCAA and NESCAC Tournaments, respectively. The Ephs have hosted two NESCAC Final Fours during his career.
"Brandon has done everything our staff asks of a student-athlete and leader at Williams," said 10th-year head coach
Kevin App. "He is a diligent worker, treats people the right way and cares about the team's success over anything else. I am looking forward to seeing what this year's team, under Brandon and the rest of the seniors' leadership, can become."
With the prestige of Williams College, students migrate from across the globe to Williamstown, but Roughley is only a 30-minute drive away from his hometown of Dalton, Massachusetts. He attended Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton for two years from 2015-17 prior to transferring to the Salisbury School (Conn.) where he played basketball for three years from 2017-20. Roughley needed to select a college and a return to his native Berkshires was appealing.
"I have always loved the sense of community and the natural beauty of the area," said Roughley. "I used to come to Williams' games as a kid and even attended some of the summer camps, which gave me a chance to get to know the program."
Roughley started at Williams remotely in the fall of 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and became an instant contributor in his first year on the basketball team in 2021-22, appearing in 24 games off the bench. He averaged 7.8 points on 57.9% shooting from the field (70 of 121) and 77.8% from the line (35 for 45) in 16.6 minutes per game.
"I met App early in my high school career and knew if I ever had the opportunity to play basketball at Williams, I would jump on it," said Roughley. "Being able to play in front of friends and family is special. Choosing Williams was the best decision I have made."
Roughley started 29-of-30 games in 2023-24, averaging 10.3 points and 4.2 rebounds. He scored a career-high 19 points during victories against Bates and Hamilton. He recorded a double-double with 13 points and a career-best 12 rebounds in a victory over St. Lawrence.
In his senior campaign, Roughley is averaging 9.8 points and 5.4 rebounds. He has reached double figures in scoring 33 times during his collegiate career, while appearing in 80 games and making 45 starts. The outstanding forward is efficient, shooting 52.8% from the field (261 for 494).
"Brandon possesses a versatility at his size that makes him unique," said App. "He has footwork and the ability to finish with both hands that make him an effective scorer in the paint. Every year, Brandon has filled whatever role the team needed to help us find success."
Roughley engaged in a Q&A segment, focusing on his final run with the Ephs and career plans.
Q: Could you reflect on the 2024-25 journey up to this point?
A: I am proud of the way our first semester went as a team. We knew it would be different with new guys stepping into key roles and the loss of important playmakers from last year. Outside of the Wesleyan game, we have shown that we can compete at a high level. Our focus is getting better each day and being ready for conference play. It is about identifying the little things, so we are ready to compete at our best when it matters most on game nights. The goal is to win championships and that starts with the work we put in together every day.
Q: What have you learned from App?
A: He has shown that being flexible and open to new ideas can make a huge difference in fostering success on and off the court. He does not just coach basketball; he builds relationships with us as individuals, taking an interest in our lives outside the game. This approach creates trust and a stronger connection, which translates into a better team dynamic. I have learned about the importance of staying open-minded to the needs of those around me, a quality that extends far beyond sports.
Q: What is the culture of the men's basketball program?
A: The culture is rooted in a shared love for basketball and a commitment to playing the right way. What sets us apart is the sense of family. We are always spending time together, whether it is going on hikes, playing cornhole or just hanging out. We trust each other completely. It is a culture of connection, hard work and mutual respect. Those moments off the court are what I will cherish when I look back. The bonds I have formed with my teammates will last a lifetime.
Q: Could you talk about your career aspirations?
A: I came to Williams intending to focus solely on economics, but quickly discovered how much I enjoy psychology, particularly the aspects that explore human interactions and social behavior. I am involved with the Purple Mountain Partners Investment Group, a great way to deepen my interest in finance and collaborate with other students.
Through the amazing Williams' network, I have secured internships with the help of former Ephs. I interned with John Svoboda '79 at his private equity firm in Chicago and later had the opportunity to work with James Heskett '19, a former basketball student-athlete. After graduation, I will be heading to New York City to work at BTIG and could not be more excited to take the next step in my career, while staying connected to this incredible Williams' network.
Q: What has been an adverse experience you encountered at Williams and what did you learn?
A: The most difficult experience was being injured during my sophomore year and having to get foot surgery. It was tough not being able to play, but it taught me about resilience and finding ways to contribute in other ways. Supporting my teammates and staying involved gave me a new perspective on leadership.
Q: What makes NCAA Division III unique?
A: What sets Division III athletics apart, especially at Williams, is the balance between athletics and other opportunities. We have the flexibility to pursue internships, research programs or other interests. The balance is what drew me to Williams, especially the chance to compete for national championships every year, while taking advantage of incredible academic and professional opportunities.
Q: How have you grown at Williams?
A: When I came to Williams, much of my identity was tied to basketball. I was used to being the best player on my high school team. I had to adapt to a new environment and learn to embrace a role that best suited the team. That experience taught me the value of adaptability, teamwork and putting the team's goals above my own.
Off the court, I have grown immensely. Williams has given me the chance to build meaningful relationships and pursue career opportunities I had not even imagined before coming here. From internships to academic challenges, I have been able to expand my horizons and discover more about who I am and what I want to accomplish in life.
Q: What is a group that flies under the radar at Williams, but has been essential to your experience?
A: One group that flies under the radar is the athletic trainers. They often do not get the recognition they deserve. Whether it is helping us recover from an injury, providing treatments or offering guidance on how to stay healthy, they play a huge role in ensuring we are physically prepared to compete at our best. What makes them important is not just their technical knowledge, but also their dedication and commitment to the student-athletes. They go above and beyond to make sure we are taken care of.
