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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - On January 7, 2026, Dr. Bud Black was honored with a retirement ceremony during the Cherryville Ironmen's women's and men's basketball games.
Black was honored for his dedication to the Cherryville Ironmen Basketball program. The night was appropriately called Dr. Bud Black Appreciation Night.
Black's involvement with basketball began in junior high at Cherokee during the late 1950s and eventually evolved into a career spanning more than 60 years as a player, teacher, coach, and mentor. He also holds 11 academic degrees.
Throughout his career, he stressed the importance of discipline, responsibility, and teamwork. He taught his players lessons on the court that helped them get ready for life outside of sports.
Black's coaching resume was extensive. He coached at the youth, high school, and college levels. He coached at Cherokee and Cherryville High School and had a six-year run at Gardner-Webb University, where he improved the Gardner-Webb Ladies basketball team's record from five wins to fifteen wins in one season.
He was given the nickname "Mr. Basketball" by the late Cherryville Eagle Sports Editor, Ronald "Scoop" Kiser. In 2000, he was inducted into the Cherryville Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2007, the court at Nixon Gym was officially named Bud Black Court in his honor.
For a more in-depth history of Black's coaching career, read our previous article titled "Mr Basketball Calls it a Career" by clicking here.
Although he achieved a lot of success on the court, Black often says he takes the most pride in seeing the players he coached thrive and professionally. Some of his former players have entered fields like medicine, law, teaching, business, and skilled trades.
Black’s involvement in basketball did not always involve coaching. He played a big role in organizing the BB&T Christmas Tournament and teamed up with other coaches such as Dennis Tate, Alfonso Graves, Scott Harrill, and Antonio Griggs.
Black never believed he would retire. However, now that the time has come, he has been busy around his home. He has a farm and takes care of his animals.
He currently teaches a capstone course online for Thomas Edison State University in New Jersey. He also stays busy with church activities and other community events.
At the ceremony, Coach Matt Powers, Cherryville High School’s Athletic Director, gave Black a plaque to honor his many years of dedication to the Ironmen basketball program. The plaque highlighted the deep influence he has had on countless student-athletes over the years.
Dr. Bud Black with players, coaches, and family members at the retirement ceremony. January 7th,2026
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
Players stood in line to shake his hand, and the crowd gave him one last round of applause. Black has often said coaching was never just a profession, but a calling — one that has shaped lives well beyond the basketball court.
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