9/9/02
Shaw Names Bernard New Head Men’s Basketball Coach
RALEIGH, N.C. (September 9, 2002) - Shaw University President Talbert O. Shaw announced today that Michael Bernard has been named head men’s basketball coach. 

"We’re pleased to have brought to this campus, someone who has proven he is the best and we know he will continue Shaw’s basketball success," said Shaw President Talbert O.  Shaw

Bernard had spent the last four seasons as the head coach at Fayetteville State University.  While at Fayetteville State he compiled a record of 63-45 (.567).  He led the Broncos to a second place finish in the CIAA Tournament in 2001 and was also named the CIAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Coach.

  Prior to coaching at Fayetteville State, Bernard coached seven seasons at Norfolk State University where he compiled a record of 141-67 (.677).  He led the Spartans to back-to-back South Atlantic Regional Championships in 1994 and 1995.  He also led the Spartans to the NCAA Division II Final Four in 1994 and the NCAA Division II "Elite Eight" in 1995.

  Bernard might be most noted for leading North Carolina Central to the NCAA Division II Championship in 1989.  During that season, the Eagles went 28-4 (.875) and Bernard was also named Kodak Division II Coach of the Year.  He compiled a 115-56 (.673) record in six seasons at NC Central.

  A native of Brockton, MA, Bernard has compiled an impressive 321-167 (.657) record in 16 seasons as a head basketball coach.  Prior to his head coaching stints, Bernard was an assistant men’s basketball coach at Kentucky State (1974-76) and Norfolk State (1978-1984).

  Bernard is a 1970 graduate of Kentucky State.  He was a member of the 1970 NAIA National Championship team and was drafted in the seventh round by the Cincinnati Royals in 1970.  He played two seasons (1970-72) with the Wilmington Blue Bonnets of the Eastern Basketball Association. 

  Bernard replaces Joel Hopkins who led the Bears to the schools first-ever CIAA Tournament Championship and first-ever NCAA Division II Final Four appearance.

  "I am looking forward to working with a fine group of gentlemen that have had success on and off the floor," said Bernard.  "I would like to continue the work that has been done by a fine coaching staff the last few years.  Having been involved with this game for twenty-five years, twenty-four of which have been involved in this conference [CIAA], I think I am prepared for the task.

  "I think when all of this is dissolved in the next couple of days and we can get to work, I think we’ll all be proud of the work that will be accomplished over the next few years with this team."