Bernard Blunt Joins Rocktop Academy Coaching Staff
Date: September 28, 2020
For Immediate Release:
Rocktop Academy adds former St. Joseph’s University legend, Bernard Blunt, to the coaching staff.
Bernard Blunt Jr. grew up in Syracuse, NY and attended Jamesville Dewitt High School. In 1990, he led his school to both the New York State and Federation Titles. Bernard was named New York State Class B Player of the Year in 1990 and he was also New York first team all-state in 1988, 89 and 90. Bernard averaged 31 points per game as a senior, and became the third all-time leading scorer in New York State history (2,507). Bernard was invited to the prestigious Nike All American Camp during both his junior and senior years.
Bernard Blunt at St Joseph’s University
Post High School graduation, Bernard continued his basketball journey at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA. In 1990, he was named the 1st Freshman All American for Sporting News and was awarded the Big 5 and Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year, Team MVP and Team Captain. Bernard started all 4 years at St. Joseph’s and made the 1st Team All Big 5 and Atlantic 10 each year from 1990-1993. Bernard was selected as a member of the U.S. Olympic Festival – East team in 1992. Bernard’s college play led to being named one of the 50 best ever college players (48) in Philadelphia by The Philadelphia Inquirer. Bernard was inducted into St. Joseph’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000 and into the Big 5 Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001. Bernard graduated from St. Joseph’s University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology.
Post college graduation, Bernard played professional basketball from 1995-2003 in both Asia and Europe and also played briefly for the NBA’s Washington Wizards.
Since leaving the game as a player, Bernard has been working with all player levels (from children to professional) as a Personal Basketball Skills Instructor. He has also served as a camp speaker at various basketball camps including the Sonny Hill Boys and Girls Basketball Camps (Philadelphia, PA) and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Pennsylvania.
Bernard’s most recent coaching experience has been coaching both Explosion Club Teams (7th Grade Boys and 6th Grade Girls) to their respective AAU National Championship Tournaments in their inaugural years (2014). He has also coached the Aston Boys Travel Team to a 32-0 record in 2014. Bernard has coached Explosion Elite teams at AAU Nationals and various tournaments across the country.
During the summer of 2011, Bernard Blunt made the decision to pursue his idea of starting a basketball team that would offer boys in the community the opportunity to play organized basketball and learn the game. In the Fall of 2013, after coaching boys teams that successfully competed in local venues, Bernard’s vision moved further, and the Explosion Basketball Club was born.
Bernard realized that there was a growing demand for boys and girls to play basketball at a competitive level. As a former player at the high school, collegiate and professional levels, Bernard could clearly see that both boys and girls needed the opportunity to properly develop their skills and knowledge of the game.
The Explosion Basketball Club began the 2014 season with a 7th Grade Boys team and 6th Grade Girls Team. The club’s goal will remain simple and clear. Bernard will continue to build the club with more teams and invite qualified coaches who share the knowledge and commitment to fundamental skill development and compete at the highest level. Also, team success will not necessarily be calculated by wins and losses, but rather whether each player improved their skills and knowledge of the game during the season.
Explosion Basketball Club is vibrant and will continue to grow. Both the Boys and Girls teams made it to their respective AAU National Championship Tournaments in 2014 – their inaugural year. Moving forward, Bernard will continue to identify individuals who share his passion for working with young people and volunteer to accept the challenges and responsibilities of coaching an Explosion Club team.
Explosion Basketball Club is currently a member of the Mid-Atlantic AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) Region and the National AAU organization. Additionally, the Club is eligible to compete in other local, state and national tournaments.
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