An Ohio native, Norris Cole was born and raised in Dayton and played college basketball at Cleveland State. He went on to win two NBA titles with the Miami Heat while playing with another native of the Buckeye State, Akron’s LeBron James. Cole, who grew up in a family that emphasized education first, did not expect to be an NBA player as a youngster, treating sports as an extracurricular activity instead of his first priority. The 26-year-old discussed some of his background and interests away from basketball with Pelicans.com:
Best moments as an athlete: “Getting drafted into the NBA. Another was winning two NBA championships. That is a great accomplishment in and of itself. Third was playing basketball at Cleveland State. We were the No. 1-ranked mid-major for about two months during my senior year.”
How he chose his current uniform number of 30: “It was actually just given to me my sophomore year of high school. The varsity coach gave it to me when I was able to dress for the varsity. I just kept it. It’s worked for me so far. It’s definitely my number now for sure.”
One thing fans might be surprised to know about him: “I can play the piano and I’m very good at remembering movie lines and song lyrics.”
Favorite things about New Orleans: “The culture. You see a lot of different type of people and cultures. I also like the different variations of food.”
Pregame ritual: “I always eat a big brunch for pregame and I always have to take a nap.”
Favorite athletes as a kid: “Michael Jordan and Deion Sanders.”
What he’d be doing if he weren’t an NBA player: “I’d be finishing my master’s degree in physical therapy, or I would be coaching at Cleveland State.”
Closest friends currently playing on other NBA teams or in other pro sports: “Trent Cole is my cousin and in the NFL and plays for the Indianapolis Colts. In the NBA, it’s Brandon Knight, Tristan Thompson, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade. Also a guy named Na’Shan Goddard, who won a Super Bowl championship with the Giants and the Saints and was an offensive tackle. He’s from Dunbar High and Dayton, where I’m from. He lives in South Carolina now, so every time we play in Charlotte, he drives up to see me play.”
Favorite type of music: “I like to listen to Church of Christ music, or a little rap to get me motivated for the game. I like listening to slow jams, a little R&B, to get me ready to go to sleep.”
Favorite TV shows: “Any show that’s on Nat Geo. I also like ‘Open Court’ on NBA TV. I like listening to the fellas on that show. I also like Empire.”
Favorite movies of all time: “Rush Hours 1, 2 and 3. Coming to America.
Favorite websites: “My website, Coleblooded30.net, coleblooded30.org and coleblooded30.com. All of the domain names.”