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Billy_Coles_2015

William "Billy Coles" Otey

  • Class
    1989
  • Induction
    2015
  • Sport(s)
    Men's Basketball
William “Billy Coles” Otey came to Chowan in 1986 to play for Chowan’s legendary men’s basketball coach, Bob Burke. Burke recruited Coles from Kecoughtan High School in Hampton, Virginia to help solidify his front court. Coles played the 1986-1987 season, sat out the 1987-1988 season, but came back with a vengeance for his final season, 1988-1989.

Coles poured in over 1,000 points in two seasons with Burke’s squad. Burke’s teams during those seasons with Coles in the frontcourt put together an overall record of 52-12.

“Billy was the most versatile big man we ever had at Chowan,” stated Burke on Cole’s play. “I could use his 6’8’’ frame anywhere on the court. “

That versatility led him to a lights out freshman season with the then-Braves. The freshman helped the team to a 27-5 overall record and a #3 NJCAA National Ranking. He averaged over 10 points an outing for Chowan and just as many rebounds. His performance in the NJCAA Region IX Tournament earned him a spot on the NJCAA All-Region IX Tournament Team.  That great start as a freshman led him to a stellar sophomore season (1988-89).

Coles averaged an outstanding 22.5 points per game in his sophomore year on the court. That led him to be named First Team All Carolinas JUCO Conference and First Team All-Region IX. That same season Coles was named a member of the NJCAA National All-Star team, only the second player in program history to accomplish this feat.

Coles was entertained by several major NCAA Division 1 schools after his sophomore season.

“He had his choice of colleges after Chowan, but Lefty Driesell sold him on James Madison,” said Burke of Coles’ college options following Chowan.

Coles went on to star at James Madison University under the direction of Driesell. Over two seasons with the Dukes he scored 674 points and grabbed 340 rebounds. He earned MVP honors at the Richmond Times Dispatch Tournament in 1990 and was also named to the Richmond Times Dispatch All-Tournament Team that same tournament.

Coles graduated from JMU with a degree in Human Science & Sociology. Coles now uses his life to help at risk teens and adults get back on track in life. He is currently employed as a Career Services Advisor in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has a passion for helping people and sees it as his life’s work.

Coles, who now goes by William Otey, has one daughter, Aylah. They reside in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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