John Bates (basketball) facts for kids
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 13, 1938 Union, South Carolina |
| Died | December 16, 2015 (aged 77) Ellicott City, Maryland |
| Alma mater | Allen University |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1971–1974 | Maryland Eastern Shore |
| 1974–1986 | Coppin State |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| NAIA (1976) 2 MEAC regular season (1973, 1974) MEAC tournament (1974) |
|
John H. Bates (born December 13, 1938 – died December 16, 2015) was a famous American college basketball coach. He is best known for his time at Coppin State University. There, he led the team to a big championship win. He also helped the school's basketball program move up to a higher level of competition.
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John Bates: A Champion Coach
His Early Life and First Coaching Steps
John Bates was born in Union, South Carolina. He went to Allen University. He started his coaching career in high schools in his home state. Later, he became the head coach at Maryland Eastern Shore in 1971.
Leading the Hawks to New Heights
For three seasons with the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks, Bates had an amazing record. He won 73 games and lost only 14. This means he won 83% of his games! Bates also led the school to the 1974 National Invitation Tournament. This was a very special moment. It was the first time a historically black university played in this important tournament.
Success at Coppin State
After the 1973–74 season, Bates moved to Coppin State. He brought a star player named Joe Pace with him. Together, they led the Eagles to win the 1976 NAIA championship. The NAIA is a national sports organization for colleges.
Bates coached the Coppin State team for 12 seasons. He finished with an impressive record of 209 wins and 121 losses. He is honored in the school's sports hall of fame. This means his achievements are remembered and celebrated.
His Legacy
John Bates helped Coppin State's basketball program grow a lot. He guided them as they moved to NCAA Division I status. The NCAA is the biggest college sports organization in the United States. This was a huge step for the team.
John Bates passed away on December 16, 2015, at the age of 77.
