Shaw University Elevates Wykevin Bazemore to Permanent Head Coach of Men's Basketball

Shaw University has made it official: Wykevin Bazemore is no longer the acting head coach of the Bears men's basketball program. The university announced that Bazemore has been promoted to permanent head coach, solidifying leadership for a historic CIAA program after a season of transition.

The decision keeps continuity at the forefront while placing a young coach with deep CIAA roots and an impressive playing pedigree in charge of Shaw's basketball future.

From Assistant to Leader

Bazemore originally joined Bobby Collins' staff at Shaw and had been serving as acting head coach following Collins' resignation after the Bears' loss in the 2026 CIAA Tournament. Now entering his sixth overall season with Shaw since joining in 2020, Bazemore has paid his dues within the program, serving as an assistant coach and leading the Shaw junior varsity basketball program.

"I'm honored and excited to accept this opportunity.



We will honor the tradition, raise the standard, and build a culture defined by accountability, unity, relentless effort, and a championship pedigree."

Bazemore closed his statement with "#GritWins," a phrase that captures the spirit of his first head coaching opportunity.

A CIAA Legend Takes the Helm

Before coaching, Bazemore was a standout player at Winston-Salem State University, where he built a résumé that few can match. As a four-year starter and three-year team captain, he earned CIAA All-Conference honors in all four seasons—a feat accomplished by only four players in conference history.

His accolades include:

• Four-time BOXTOROW All-American
• CIAA Freshman of the Year (2012)
• National Black College Freshman of the Year (2012)
• 2011-12 CIAA Tournament Championship winner
• Career totals: 1,337 points and 984 rebounds

After his stellar college career, Bazemore took his talents overseas, playing professionally in Leon, Spain, where he averaged an impressive 23.9 points and nine rebounds per game.

Building on Experience

Beyond Shaw, Bazemore brings varied coaching experience to his new role. He spent two seasons as an assistant coach at UVA Wise and also worked as an assistant varsity coach at Southern Alamance High School. This diverse background has prepared him to lead at the collegiate level.

Shaw University isn't just hiring a coach—they're promoting a rising voice in HBCU basketball with championship experience, player development expertise, and an intimate understanding of the CIAA landscape. With Bazemore at the helm, the Bears are positioning themselves for a new era built on grit, tradition, and winning.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.