Florida A&M College (FAMU) has ushered in a brand new period for its males’s basketball program with the appointment of Charlie Ward as head coach. Ward, a former NBA veteran and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, brings a wealth of expertise and a deep connection to the HBCU neighborhood. His first vital transfer on this position is the signing of Devere Palmer Jr., a standout ahead from Monroe School and a 2024-25 NJCAA Division I All-American.
Charlie Ward’s athletic journey is outstanding. He gained the Heisman Trophy in 1993 as Florida State College’s quarterback. He later transitioned to skilled basketball, taking part in 11 seasons within the NBA with groups just like the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets. After retiring in 2004, Ward started teaching with the Houston Rockets beneath Jeff Van Gundy. He then served as an assistant basketball coach and head soccer coach at Westbury Christian College in Houston. In 2022, he led Florida Excessive College to its first state basketball championship since 1963.
Ward’s ties to FAMU are profound. His dad and mom met on the HBCU, and he was born on the college’s campus, making his return as head coach a full-circle second.
JUCO to FAMU
Devere Palmer Jr., a 6-foot-6 ahead from Queens, New York, had a formidable sophomore season at Monroe School. He averaged 13.7 factors and 5.5 rebounds per sport. Capturing almost 49% from the sector and 79.2% from the free-throw line. His efficiency earned him a spot on the NJCAA Division I All-America Workforce. Palmer’s high-energy play and scoring means make him a beneficial addition to the Rattlers. As FAMU goals to revitalize its program beneath Ward’s management.
Charlie Ward’s teaching fashion aligns intently with HBCU values by emphasizing character improvement, neighborhood engagement, and holistic schooling. Ward is a mentor at his core, formed by his journey by way of athletics, religion, and schooling. These qualities resonate strongly with HBCU traditions, prioritizing growing leaders on and off the sector.
Reflecting on his position as a coach and mentor, Ward has said, “You need to have coaches and lecturers that can maintain you accountable, and positively be accountable to our Heavenly Father. In order that’s the problem that we face as leaders and males of God or girls of God.” This angle underscores his dedication to instilling values of accountability and non secular progress in his gamers. This aligns with the mission of HBCUs to develop well-rounded people.
