Bernard Griffith

New Orleans, LA — Dillard University introduced Bernard Griffith as its new Men’s Basketball Coach at a press conference on Thursday afternoon on campus in Dent Hall on “The Battlefield.”

Griffith, has compiled a 694-204 (.772) record over a decorated career that has included coaching stints at St. Augustine High School, Southern University-Baton Rouge, Xavier University and Jesuit High School.  Griffiths successful coaching career was highlighted at St. Augustine High School where his teams won 11 District Titles in 13 years, made 13 straight playoff appearances, 8 Final Four appearances in 13 years and a USA Tody and ESPN National Championship.

“Bernard Griffith will bring our men’s basketball program proven success, leadership and integrity,” said Athletic Director Kiki Baker Barnes. â€œHe will be able to establish a solid foundation for our program with regards to community involvement, awareness and recruiting.”

Griffith has coach several former NBA players as well as many others overseas, including former NBA player and current NBA New Jersey Nets Head Coach Avery Johnson.  Griffith has coached former NBA player Kerry Kittles, Louisiana Player’s of the Year Pointer Williams, Torry Andrews and Hollis Price.

Following Hurricane Katrina, Griffith’s coaching career extended to the professional level, as an assistant coach for the current NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks.  As an assistant, the 2006 Dallas Mavericks went on to finish with the best overall record in the NBA enroute to the NBA Finals before losing to the Miami Heat.

Dillard University owns one of the nation's most storied men's basketball programs. Among the program's accomplishments:

-- District 30 Regular Season Champions (1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1980)

-- GCAC Regular Season Champs (1993, 1997, 2001)

-- GCAC Conference Tournament Champions (2001)

-- National Tournament Appearances (1980, 1997 (Sweet Sixteen), 2001, 2002, 2003 (Sweet Sixteen)