Shaw University Navigates Coaching Transition as HBCU Basketball Continues its Upward Trajectory
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Posted By: Will Moss on March 03, 2026 In a pivotal moment for Shaw University's men's basketball program, the HBCU institution has announced a leadership change that aims to build upon the foundational progress achieved in recent years. Wykevin Bazemore, a Shaw University assistant and WSSU Hall of Famer, has been named the acting head coach following the resignation of Bobby Collins. The transition comes as Collins, a championship-winning coach in the MEAC and CIAA, has decided to step down from his role. In a personal statement, Collins emphasized that his approach to coaching has always been "bigger than basketball," focusing on developing "disciplined, resilient, accountable young men who are prepared to lead in life." During his tenure, Collins guided the Shaw Bears through a challenging rebuilding process, including NCAA sanctions, as the program regained its competitiveness within the highly competitive CIAA conference. Key Takeaway: Under Collins' leadership, the Shaw Bears improved from a 5-23 season prior to his arrival to a 16-14 record in the 2022-23 season, advancing to the CIAA Quarterfinals and earning the conference's Sportsmanship Award. This progress is a testament to Collins' commitment to building a sustainable foundation for the program.
As the Bears now transition to the next chapter, Bazemore, a former standout player and experienced assistant, steps into the acting head coach role. Bazemore inherits a roster shaped by Collins' emphasis on culture and accountability, and his task will be to maintain continuity while navigating the uncertainty that often accompanies coaching changes. "In a short time, we established structure, restored belief, elevated competitiveness, and created a culture rooted in accountability and brotherhood. We did more than compete; we laid a sustainable foundation." For an HBCU program like Shaw, leadership stability is critical, as the CIAA remains one of the most competitive Division II conferences in the country. Sustained success requires both vision and institutional alignment, and the university's focus now turns toward identifying permanent leadership for both its men's and women's basketball programs. As for Collins, he has made it clear that his coaching journey is far from over, expressing his excitement for the "next opportunity; the next program to build, the next group of young men to mentor." His commitment to developing "men of character who win in basketball and in life" resonates strongly with the HBCU community, where the holistic development of student-athletes is a core value. HBCUConnect's Perspective: This coaching transition at Shaw University is a reminder of the important role that HBCU basketball programs play in shaping the lives of young student-athletes. The commitment of coaches like Bobby Collins to developing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to lead both on and off the court is a testament to the values that define the HBCU experience. As Shaw University embarks on its search for permanent leadership, the HBCU community will be closely watching, eager to see the continued growth and success of this program and the positive impact it will have on the lives of its players.
Originally reported by HBCU Gameday. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Will Moss
Founder & CEO, HBCU CONNECT, LLC Hampton University class of 1995 Member Since June 1999 |
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