Bernard In, Hopkins Out at Shaw
Shaw University announced last week that two-year head basketball
coach Joel Hopkins, who led the school to a 28-5 record and its
first CIAA and South Atlantic regional titles last season,
has been released and then announced Monday that former Fayetteville
State, Norfolk State and North Carolina Central head
coach Mike Bernard would replace him.
The controversial Hopkins, who built Mt. Zion Christian Academy
into a national high school basketball power before coming to Shaw,
has been the subject of much speculation throughout the summer related
to his contract. Concerns related to bonuses and a new deal swirled
since the end of basketball season. The school put out a release on
Friday, Sept. 6 saying the parties had reached "an amicable decision"
to end his contract.
"Although this was a difficult decision, we believe it is in
the best interest of both parties," said Shaw President, Talbert
O. Shaw in the release. "We appreciate what Coach Hopkins and
his staff have done for Shaw University's basketball program. We sincerely
wish Coach Hopkins well in his future endeavors."
Bernard was released by Fayetteville State this summer when it was
discovered he had falsified his resume claiming to have a master's degree
from Clark-Atlanta University. That story made national headlines
following similar flaps involving former MEAC Commissioner Charles
Harris and former Georgia Tech head football coach, George O'Leary.
"We are 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 in the release announcing Bernard's hiring.
Bernard spent six seasons at NC Central, compiling a 115-56 mark
while leading the Eagles to the 1989 NCAA Div. II national title. He
then spent seven seasons at Norfolk State where he compiled a 141-67
mark and led the Spartans, while still in the CIAA, to two NCAA Div.
II Final Four appearances. In four seasons at FSU, he had compiled a
record of 63-45. His career mark is 321-167.
