Early Beginnings And Playing Career

Bernard Bickerstaff: A Basketball Coaching Journey

Early Beginnings and Playing Career

Bernard Tyrone Bickerstaff, born on February 11, 1944, is a towering figure in the basketball world, standing at an impressive 6'6" (198 m). His basketball journey began on the collegiate courts as a player for Oregon State, where he made history by becoming the youngest player in the NCAA at the tender age of 17.

Transition to Coaching

After a successful playing career, Bickerstaff embarked on a coaching path that would lead him to the highest echelons of the NBA. He began his coaching journey as an assistant with the Seattle SuperSonics in 1985 and later took over the head coaching reins for several teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Washington Bullets, and Charlotte Bobcats.

Houston Head Coach

In 2015, Bickerstaff returned to the Houston Rockets as the interim head coach for the 2015-2016 NBA season. Under his leadership, the Rockets flourished, leading to his permanent appointment as head coach. Bickerstaff's tenure in Houston was marked by significant progress, including guiding the team to the playoffs in the 2016-2017 season.