RALEIGH, N.C. — Shaw University Athletics has officially removed the acting tag from Wykevin Bazemore, naming him the permanent head coach of the Bears men's basketball program, the University announced.
Bazemore, who previously served as acting head coach, enters the role after spending the past several seasons as a key member of the Shaw coaching staff and helping guide the development of the Bears program.
"I'm honored and excited to accept this opportunity," said Bazemore. "We will honor the tradition, raise the standard, and build a culture defined by accountability, unity, relentless effort, and a championship pedigree."#GritWins
Bazemore begins his sixth season overall with the program after originally joining the staff in 2020. He previously served as an assistant coach and head coach of the Shaw JV basketball program before being elevated to acting head coach.
Prior to Shaw, Bazemore spent two seasons as an assistant coach at UVA Wise and also served as an assistant varsity coach at Southern Alamance High School.
A former standout student-athlete at Winston-Salem State University, Bazemore was a four-year starter and three-year team captain for the Rams. He earned CIAA All-Conference honors all four seasons of his collegiate career, becoming one of only four players in CIAA history to accomplish the feat.
During his playing career, Bazemore was a four-time BOXTOROW All-American, helped lead Winston-Salem State to the 2011-12 CIAA Tournament championship and was named CIAA Freshman of the Year and National Black College Freshman of the Year in 2012. He finished his collegiate career with 1,337 points and 984 rebounds, ranking among the all-time leaders in program history.
Following college, Bazemore played professionally overseas in Leon, Spain, where he led the league in scoring and rebounding while averaging 23.9 points and nine rebounds per game.
Bazemore earned his sociology degree from Winston-Salem State University and has continued to build his reputation as one of the rising young coaches in collegiate basketball.
Shaw University Athletics will formally introduce Bazemore to the public later this month with additional details to be announced.
