Nov. 8, 2007

Number 17

Rick Bernard (1973-78)

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Moraga, CA - The 2007-08 season will mark the 100th year in the history of men's basketball at Saint Mary's College. To recognize the 100 years of basketball, Saint Mary's will release the top-25 players of the last century. Saint Mary's will countdown players 25 through 17 on the nine days counting down to the opening game of the year.

Overlooked coming out of Burbank High School, Rick Bernard had an outstanding career at Saint Mary's College from 1973-79. He currently ranks seventh on the all-time scoring list with 1,299 points, but when he graduated in 1979, he was the school's second all-time leading scorer.

Bernard was best known for his excellent shooting and his lightning quick moves to the basket. During his junior season, he shot an astounding 51.9 percent from the floor while scoring 470 points to garner honorable Mention All-West Coast Athletic Conference honors. "Slick" Rick's 470 points (18.1 ppg) in 1977-78 ranked as the eighth best scoring season at SMC at that time. His best scoring performance was a 35-point outing against Seattle University in January of 1978.

The 6-4 guard averaged 14.7 points per game for his career, and averaged double digits in three of the four seasons he competed. The "lanky sharpshooter" shot 49.2 percent from the floor for his career, making 500-of-1017 shots overall. Bernard was also impressive from the free throw line, as he made 79.3 percent of his attempts, which ranked third all-time when he graduated.

Players 16-1 will be released at each home game during the season, with No. 16 being announced at halftime of the game between SMC and Sonoma State on November 9. The best player in the history of the program will be named at the Gaels' final home game of the season on February 25 when SMC hosts San Diego at 7 p.m.