Bernard King

Professional Athlete

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It is well recognized that from the basketball courts of New York City to being the leading forward of the FHHS Tigers to a four-time NBA All-Star, Bernard King has used his athletic talents to the fullest. Bernard is a 13-year professional basketball veteran forward who first starred at Fort Hamilton before taking his skills to the University of Tennessee and then to the National Basketball Association.

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After leaving the Fort, Bernard played three seasons at Tennessee with teammate Ernie Grunfeld as one-half of the "Ernie and Bernie" show. By the time his collegiate career was over, Bernard was the second all-time leading scorer at UT with 1,962 points. He also has the highest career scoring average in UT history and was named to all-America listings and UPI’s South Eastern Conference "Player of the Year" honors all three seasons.

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In 1977 Bernard became the Nets first-ever draft pick in the NBA and was named his first season to the NBA All-Rookie team averaging 24.2 points per game. Well-known for his intense "game face", Bernard is a prolific scorer, winning the 1984-85 NBA scoring title and leading the New York Knicks in scoring in this three seasons with the Knicks from 1982-85. Bernard is currently in the top 45 all-time NBA scorers list and is within 500 points of the 20,000 career scoring mark.

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While Bernard King's greatest moment as a pro might well be his scoring of back-to-back 50-point games against Dallas and San Antonio in the 1984-85 season, he may most be remembered for his determination and ability to overcome a career-threatening knee injury. Surgery on his knee kept Bernard on the sidelines for nearly two full seasons, 1985-87, before a rigorous rehabilitation program allowed him to return to the Washington Bullets in 1987. Bernard's hard work and discipline earned him the distinction in 1991 of becoming the first player to play in an NBA All-Star Game after suffering this type of serious knee injury. This triumph prompts Bernard to tell young people today to "Be the best person you can be at any level of life". Bernard exemplifies this advice today not only with his play in the NBA but as a world traveler, occasional broadcaster, a TV and movie actor, a fine art appreciator and as a jazz enthusiast.

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For his determination and ability to bounce back which is an inspiration to all, and in recognition of his outstanding athletic ability, the Alumni Association is pleased to induct Bernard King into the Fort Hamilton Alumni Hall of Fame.