Ben Coleman (basketball) facts for kids

Benjamin Coleman (November 14, 1961 – January 6, 2019) was a talented American professional basketball player. He played college basketball for the University of Minnesota and the University of Maryland. After college, he played five seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), which is the top professional basketball league in North America. He also played professionally in countries like Italy and Spain.

Early Life and College Basketball

Coleman was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 14, 1961. He loved playing basketball and became a star at North Community High School. After high school, he earned a special scholarship to play basketball at the University of Minnesota. This was a big deal because he was the first player from his high school to get a scholarship to a Division I college. Division I is the highest level of college sports in the United States.

Playing for the Minnesota Gophers

At the University of Minnesota, Coleman often came off the bench as a substitute player. In his first full year, the 1980–1981 season, he scored about 8.4 points and grabbed 5.1 rebounds per game. After that season, he decided to transfer to the University of Maryland. Coleman later said that playing for his hometown team, the Gophers, was important for his community. However, it also came with a lot of pressure. Because of transfer rules, he had to sit out the 1981–1982 season before he could play for Maryland.

Success with the Maryland Terrapins

At Maryland, Coleman played alongside Len Bias, who later became a very high pick in the NBA draft. Coleman earned two "All-ACC" honors, which means he was recognized as one of the best players in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He also helped his team win the 1984 Atlantic Coast Conference championship. They even made it to the "Sweet Sixteen" in the 1984 NCAA tournament, which is the third round of the national championship.

Professional Basketball Career

After graduating from college, Ben Coleman was chosen by the Chicago Bulls in the second round of the 1984 NBA draft. He was the 37th player picked overall.

Starting in Europe

Even though he was drafted by the Bulls, he didn't make their team right away. So, he decided to sign with Stefanel Trieste, a professional team in Italy's top league, Serie A. The Bulls later traded his rights to another NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers. But again, he didn't make that team either, so he went back to play in Italy.

Playing in the NBA

After two years in Italy, Coleman returned to the United States. He signed with the New Jersey Nets. During his second season with the Nets, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. He finished the 1988–89 season playing for Philadelphia. Before the next season, he signed with the Milwaukee Bucks. However, his season was cut short in February due to an injury, and he was released from the team.

Return to Europe and Later Career

The following season, Coleman began playing in Spain for three years. He first signed with Baloncesto León. Then he moved to play for FC Barcelona and CB Peñas Huesca.

Later, Coleman returned to the U.S. and played for the Rapid City Thrillers in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). He also signed a short, ten-day contract with the Detroit Pistons in the NBA. After his time with the Pistons, he played for Roma and Montecatiniterme Basketball in Italy.

He finished his basketball career playing for the Sioux Falls Skyforce and Omaha Racers, both teams in the CBA.

After Basketball

After retiring from playing, Ben Coleman became a coach. He coached basketball in the Minneapolis area, helping young players improve their skills through a private coaching service called CoachUp.

Ben Coleman passed away on January 6, 2019, at the age of 57.

NBA Career Statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

See also

In Spanish: Ben Coleman (baloncestista) para niños