Bart Kofoed facts for kids

Bart Kofoed (born March 24, 1964) is a former American professional basketball player. He was known for playing as a swingman, a player who can play both shooting guard and small forward. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, Bart played for several teams in the NBA and the CBA during his career. After retiring from basketball, he helped start a non-profit organization called 2XSALT, which supports young people through sports.

College Basketball Journey

Bart Kofoed started his college basketball career at Hastings College. Later, he transferred to Kearney State College, which is now known as the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Standout Seasons

During his junior year at Nebraska-Kearney, Kofoed was a key player. He averaged 21.2 points per game and made 186 assists. In his senior year, he set new school records. He scored an amazing 902 points, averaging 26.5 points per game. He also had 198 assists that season.

His leadership helped the Lopers achieve a great 26–8 record. They also made their 10th straight appearance in the NAIA National Tournament. Because of his excellent play, Bart was named a second-team All-American. He also earned the title of conference and district player of the year.

Professional Basketball Career

Bart Kofoed was chosen in the 1987 NBA draft by the Utah Jazz. He was the 107th player picked overall. He played for four different NBA teams between 1987 and 1992.

Playing for the Utah Jazz

In his first year with the Utah Jazz, Bart lived with famous player Karl Malone. He joined the team's active roster after recovering from a broken foot. He played in 36 of the Jazz's remaining 54 games that season.

During the playoffs, he stepped up in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers. He scored seven points and helped limit their star player, Clyde Drexler. The Jazz advanced to the next round. In a later playoff game, Bart faced some challenges, getting into foul trouble and missing shots. Even though the Jazz lost that series, it was a valuable learning experience for him.

The Jazz signed Kofoed to a new two-year contract. However, he was later waived by the team.

First Time in the CBA

After leaving the Jazz, Kofoed played for the Rochester Flyers. This team was part of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA).

With the Golden State Warriors

Next, Bart signed with the Golden State Warriors. He faced an injury, a sprained ankle, which led to the team waiving him. But when another player, Mitch Richmond, broke his thumb, the Warriors brought Bart back to the team.

Second Time in the CBA

Kofoed returned to the CBA. He played for the La Crosse Catbirds first. Then, he joined the Yakima Sun Kings.

Playing for the Seattle SuperSonics

Bart then signed with the Seattle SuperSonics. In one game, he scored a career-high 15 points. He also had nine assists and five rebounds. He played a career-high 44 games for the SuperSonics that season. He was waived near the end of the season but stayed with the team to help them prepare for the playoffs.

Time with the Boston Celtics

On October 8, 1992, Kofoed signed with the Boston Celtics. He was waived a month later but rejoined the team a few days after. He had six assists in a win against the Detroit Pistons. In January 1993, he was waived again. Overall, he played seven games for the Celtics, averaging 2.4 points and 1.4 assists per game.

Third Time in the CBA

Bart Kofoed played for the Omaha Racers in the CBA. He helped the Racers win the 1993 CBA championship title. The next season, his team won their conference championship. He played one more season with them. He also tried to join the Minnesota Timberwolves but did not make the team.

Coaching Career

During the 1994–95 season, Bart Kofoed worked as an assistant coach for the Omaha Racers. He worked alongside head coach Mike Thibault.

Life After Basketball

After retiring from playing basketball, Bart Kofoed opened his own restaurants. He later worked for Cisco Food Services.

2XSALT Organization

Bart then started 2XSALT, which is a non-profit Christian organization. It is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. This organization helps young people who are less fortunate by supporting them through sports. NBA legends David Thompson and Bobby Jones later joined to help run the program.

The Grinning Mule

Bart and his wife also own a non-profit restaurant called The Grinning Mule.

Personal Life

Bart Kofoed is married and has four children.

See also

In Spanish: Bart Kofoed para niños