Bernard Hickman

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Bernard "Peck" Hickman (October 5, 1911 – February 20, 2000) is best known as the man who turned the University of Louisville men's basketball team into one of the nation's best. The Cardinals never had a losing season in Hickman's 23 season's as head coach, prior to his arrival the program only had 11 in 33 seasons. In 1956, his team headed by All American Charlie Tyra won the NIT Championship, then considered to be the real championship instead of the NCAA Tournament.

From 1954 to 1967, Hickman as served dual duties as head coach and athletic director, a position he would hold full time until his retirement in 1973. Hickman was also the man who hired UCLA assistant coach Denny Crum, who would led the program to two NCAA titles and eight final fours en rout to the College Basketball hall of fame.

Head Coach: 1944-45 through 1966-67

Record: 443-183 (.708)

Preceded by Harold Church Walter Casey

University of Louisville Head Basketball Coach 1945–1967

Succeeded by John Dromo