After 13-year hiatus, Coach Hopkins returns to Shaw
Fred Jeter | 7/31/2015, 4:28 a.m.
Coach Joel Hopkins led Shaw University to basketball glory once before. Now the CIAA school in Raleigh, N.C., is hopeful he can do it again.
Coach Hopkins has been named to succeed Cleo Hill, whose contract was not renewed following last season’s 13-16 record. Coach Hill’s seven season mark was 116-67.
A native of Bunn, N.C., Coach Hopkins directed Shaw to a 43-15 record between 2000 and 2002 and led the Bears to their first tournament crown in 2002.
Coach Hopkins was selected NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year in 2002.
His squads showcased guard Flip Murray, who went on to have an impressive NBA career.
Prior to arriving at Shaw, Coach Hopkins posted a 200-39 record at Mt. Zion Christian Academy in Durham, N.C., between 1992 and 2000.
In 1989, Coach Hopkins was a member of North Carolina Central University’s NCAA Division II championship club.
After resigning at Shaw in 2002, Coach Hopkins entered the private business sector and has not coached during that time.
