SAN DIEGO — Basketball legend and Torero Hall of Fame inductee Bernie Bickerstaff will headline the 2026 USD Empowering Black Legacy event at the Jenny Craig Pavilion, USD Athletics announced today.
Bickerstaff will serve as the keynote speaker for the forum, which is free and open to the public and is set to take place on Sunday, February 15 at 1:00 p.m. Those interested in attending can CLICK HERE to register.
"Bernie Bickerstaff’s impact on the University of San Diego and beyond is defined by the way he continues to give back and lift others," said Kimya Massey, USD Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Athletics. “He has invested directly in the holistic development, leadership, and advocacy of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff — creating opportunities that will resonate for generations. Bernie is a true trailblazer who embodies the spirit of competitiveness, care, and commitment to service. His genuine care for people reflects the values we strive to uphold every day as a department. We are honored to welcome him back to campus as the keynote voice for our Empowering Black Legacy event. It is a privilege to learn from a true Torero legend who has shaped the game at every level and continues to set the example of what it means to be selfless and committed to excellence.”
First established in 2025, USD’s now-annual Empowering Black Legacy series aims to elevate the stories of Black leaders from the University of San Diego and the greater San Diego community. Through conversation and reflection, the event highlights the generational achievements of Black excellence, showcases athletic leadership through Torero alumni, and uplifts the voices of current student leaders navigating community, activism, and personal growth
Bickerstaff — USD’s first Black head coach, a former Torero men’s basketball team captain and player, and a USD and WCC Hall of Famer — has worked for 10 NBA teams, including head coaching and senior leadership roles with the Charlotte Bobcats, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Denver Nuggets, and Seattle Supersonics in addition to a stint overseeing all basketball operations for the Harlem Globetrotters. Named San Diego’s head men’s basketball coach at just 25 years old in 1969, Bickerstaff led the program to a 55-49 overall record and an NCAA Regional appearance across four seasons.
“I'm looking forward to participating in what should be a terrific event,” said Bickerstaff. “The University of San Diego continues to value the total community and has done incredible work to aid the development of every aspect of their student-athletes."
The Bernie Bickerstaff Inclusive Excellence Fund was created in his honor in July 2020 to directly support holistic, education, leadership and advocacy training for Torero scholar-athletes, coaches and staff while also celebrating and empowering the USD Athletics community.
“Bernie Bickerstaff’s devotion and loyalty to the University of San Diego and its men’s basketball program is unparalleled,” said Steve Lavin, San Diego men's basketball head coach. “His 62-year association with the Toreros includes being a student athlete, alum, assistant coach, head coach, donor and University Trustee. Bernie has been an exemplary coach, mentor, advocate, teacher, and friend to countless men and women. His legacy continues to reflect the best of USD’s values and vision.”
Registered attendees for the 2026 USD Empowering Black Legacy event will receive on-court bleacher seating for the Torero men’s basketball game later that afternoon (3:00 p.m.) and are invited to stay and cheer on the next generation of excellence as the Toreros take on San Francisco.
