BERNARD HOPKINS TO ENTER ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
2-14-06

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Commonwealth University Director of Athletics Dr. Richard L. Sander has announced that former men’s basketball standout Bernard Hopkins will be inducted in the institution’s athletics Hall of Fame, this Friday during the Rams’ ESPN Bracket Buster game versus Albany at 7 p.m. Hopkins, a transfer from Hagerstown (Md.) Community College, suited up for the Rams from 1994-96, splitting his tenure between the Metro Conference (1994-95) and the Colonial Athletic Association (1995-96).   

Hopkins, who led the Rams’ to their 1996 NCAA Tournament appearance, was named the CAA’s Player of the Year and the CAA Tournament Most Valuable Player, the first season that VCU joined the league.  Moreover, he was the first player in CAA history to record 400+ points, 300+ rebounds, 50+ assists, and shoot 50.0 percent or better from the field in a single season.

Additionally, during his senior season, Hopkins was named to the NABC/Sears District 4 and All-CAA first teams, as well as the CAA All-Tournament squad.  His 18 double-doubles in points and rebounds that year matched the school record set by VCU’s all-time leading scorer Kendrick Warren.  The final year of Hopkins’ collegiate career was highlighted by his performance in the NCAA Tournament, where registered his 18th double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds against Mississippi State in front of more than 31,000 fans at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. 

Hopkins, who started all 63 games during his two-year track with the Rams, is still VCU’s all-time leader in field percentage, draining 57.1 percent of his attempts, while ranking among the program’s career leaders in double-doubles (3rd, 27), and scoring average (8th, 15.1 ppg).  The 6-7 forward also remains listed among the single-season leaders in four statistical categories, including scoring, field goals made, field goal percentage, and rebounds.

Following graduation, Hopkins had the opportunity to compete in the prestigious Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, where he averaged 19 points and 9.7 rebounds per game and was named the event’s MVP.  He was also invited to try-out for the USA World Championship Team, after being drafted in the first round, third overall by the Yakima Sun Kings of the Continental Basketball Association.  Hopkins enjoyed a stellar first-year in the CBA, averaging 15.3 points and 7.7 rebounds each time out and earning the league’s Rookie of the Year citation.

Hopkins will be the final member of the four-member class enshrined into the hall this year, including Maria-Elena Calle (women’s track & field/cross country), Don Clatterbough (baseball), and Jim Larkin (men’s soccer).