Bimbo Coles facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Bimbo Coles

Coles at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in 1995
Personal information
Born	(1968-04-22) April 22, 1968 (age 57) Covington, Virginia, U.S.
High school	Greenbrier East (Lewisburg, West Virginia)
Listed height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Listed weight	180 lb (82 kg)
Career information
College	Virginia Tech (1986–1990)
NBA Draft	1990 / Round: 2 / Pick: 40th overall
Selected by the Sacramento Kings
Pro career	1990–2004
Career history
1990–1996	Miami Heat
1996–1999	Golden State Warriors
1999–2000	Atlanta Hawks
2000–2003	Cleveland Cavaliers
2003	Boston Celtics
2003–2004	Miami Heat
Career highlights and awards
Metro Conference co-Player of the Year (1988) 3× First-team All-Metro Conference (1988–1990) No. 12 retired by Virginia Tech Hokies
Career NBA statistics
Points	6,628 (7.8 ppg)
Assists	3,313 (3.9 apg)
Steals	735 (0.9 spg)
Medals Men's basketball Representing  United States Olympic Games Bronze 1988 Seoul United States

Vernell Eufaye "Bimbo" Coles, born on April 22, 1968, is a former American professional basketball player. He played for 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Before joining the NBA, he was a star player for the Virginia Tech Hokies in college. Bimbo also won a bronze medal with the United States national team at the 1988 Olympics. His unique nickname, "Bimbo," came from a cousin, inspired by a country music song.

Early Life and High School Sports

Bimbo Coles grew up in Lewisburg, West Virginia. He was a talented athlete at Greenbrier East High School. Coles played three different sports: basketball, baseball, and football. He was so good at football that many colleges wanted him to play for them. He was even named All-America once for his football skills.

Coles also played baseball as a shortstop and outfielder. He once said that the Philadelphia Phillies picked him in the 1986 Major League Baseball draft. However, he decided to focus on basketball for college. Top colleges like Virginia Tech, Maryland, and West Virginia wanted him to join their basketball teams.

College Basketball Star

Bimbo Coles chose to play college basketball for the Virginia Tech Hokies. He played there for four seasons, from 1986 to 1990. During his time at Virginia Tech, Coles set some amazing records. He scored the most points in the school's history and in the Metro Conference. He also set the school record for the most assists.

His achievements led to him being honored in two different halls of fame. He was inducted into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame. He also joined the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. In 1988, Coles was part of the U.S. national basketball team. This team won a bronze medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics. Even though he hadn't played baseball since high school, the California Angels drafted him in the 1990 Major League Baseball draft.

Playing in the NBA

Bimbo Coles began his NBA career in 1990. The Sacramento Kings picked him in the 1990 NBA draft. Right away, he was traded to the Miami Heat for another player, Rory Sparrow. Coles played for the Miami Heat for several years.

After his first time with the Heat, he was traded to the Golden State Warriors. He also played for other NBA teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics. Throughout his NBA career, Bimbo Coles was mostly known for being a reliable backup point guard. He helped his teams by bringing the ball up the court and setting up plays for his teammates.

Life After Playing

After his NBA career, Bimbo Coles continued to be involved in basketball. His brother, Sidney Coles, also played college basketball. Sidney played for Memphis and Marshall.

For many years, Bimbo Coles coached basketball at his old high school, Greenbrier East High School. He coached there until 2021, helping young players develop their skills.

See also

In Spanish: Bimbo Coles para niños