A college basketball coaching legend, leading Miami University to two NCAA Tournament appearances and earning multiple conference Coach of the Year awards. Known for his charismatic personality and ability to develop players.
Charlie Coles, a stalwart figure in the world of college basketball, is best known for his remarkable coaching stints at Miami University and Central Michigan University, where he established himself as a master tactician and mentor to some of the sport's most talented players.
Born on February 6, 1942, in Springfield, Ohio, Coles' love affair with basketball began at a tender age. He attended Bryan High School in nearby Yellow Springs, where he blossomed into a prolific scorer, averaging 42.1 points per game in his senior year, including a remarkable 65-point game.
Coles' exceptional talent earned him a scholarship to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he played from 1962 to 1965. During his time at Miami, he earned second-team All-MAC Mid-American Conference honors both his junior and senior seasons, averaging double figures in scoring all three seasons, including a career-high 18.5 points per game as a junior.
After graduating from Miami, Coles embarked on a successful coaching journey, beginning with high school stints in Springfield and Yellow Springs before serving as head coach at Saginaw High School in Saginaw, Michigan. His impressive track record at the high school level earned him a promotion to the college ranks, where he served as an assistant coach at the University of Detroit from 1982 to 1985.
His first head coaching gig came at Central Michigan University, where he compiled a 92-84 mark in his six seasons with the Chippewas. Coles' crowning achievement came in the 1986-1987 season, when he led CMU to the MAC regular-season and tournament championships, as well as a berth in the NCAA Tournament. This remarkable feat earned him the Mid-American Conference MAC Coach of the Year award.
Coles' influence on the basketball world extends far beyond his impressive coaching record. He played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous players, including NBA All-Star Dan Majerle, who played under Coles during his time at Central Michigan University.
Today, Coles' legacy continues to inspire and motivate aspiring coaches and players alike. His remarkable story serves as a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and passion for the game.
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