
via Imago
Nov 8, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee during the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

via Imago
Nov 8, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee during the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Only a few, if any, NBA head coaches have a story as unique as Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee. The 40-year-old sophomore coach’s journey started at Bucknell University, where he played his collegiate basketball before heading overseas to play professionally. Although Lee loved the sport, after playing four years in Israel, Belgium, and Germany, he thought that his time on the court was up. In fact, he joined Bank of America Merrill Lynch as a stock equity position trader, putting his business degree to use.
However, after working on Wall Street for two years, Charles Lee decided to follow his true calling: coaching. The former Bison did not want to be away from the game anymore. So, as soon as he heard that there was an opening for a coaching position at his alma mater, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Since then, he hasn’t left basketball, and it’s safe to say that sport hasn’t let him down as well.
However, despite the fact that he cracked his first head coaching job last year, not many people know about Lee’s background.
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What is Charles Lee’s ethnicity?
Born and brought up in an African-American household in Washington, D.C., Lee’s love for basketball started developing at a young age. Soon, he realized this was something he would love to do professionally, which brought him to Bucknell University. He then suited up for the Bisons for four years, averaging 11 points throughout his time there. He was so good that he was named the 2006 Patriot Player of the Year.

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Oct 10, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee (left) talks with guard Vasilije Micic (22) during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
However, unfortunately, Lee enrolled at a time when they were not offering athletic scholarships and was referred to as “[one of] college basketball’s best non-scholarship players” by the New York Times. After graduating, Lee then joined the San Antonio Spurs for the Summer League and preseason, but did not make the cut and then left to play overseas.
Nonetheless, no matter where Charles Lee headed, he represented his African-American heritage proudly. That’s no surprise given that the Charlotte Hornets head coach has always been vocal about his feelings. However, despite being vocal, Lee likes to keep his life private and away from the spotlight. We mean, that’s the reason why not many people know about his religion, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
What’s your perspective on:
From Wall Street to NBA head coach—Is Charles Lee the most intriguing story in basketball?
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What is Charles Lee’s religion?
As we mentioned, Charles Lee likes to keep his personal life under wraps and has remained pretty much a puzzle for most NBA fans. That’s the reason why not many people know about what religion the 40-year-old follows, or even if he does follow one. However, that’s not it. Like many other African-American athletes and coaches, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to assume that Charles Lee follows Christianity.
But again, this is just an assumption, given that it’s what the majority follows. We cannot say anything for sure until the Charlotte Hornets head coach himself confirms so. Well, that doesn’t seem likely with Lee being super secretive about his personal life. Nonetheless, we hope he’ll open up about his beliefs and faith once he gets accustomed to being under the spotlight 24/7. Meanwhile, we take a deep dive into his roots.
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What is Charles Lee’s nationality?
If you haven’t figured it out already, Lee was born and brought up in Washington, D.C., which automatically makes him an American citizen through and through. And there’s no doubt that he’s loud and proud about his nation. In fact, even his wife, Lindsey, and three lovely children, Corinne, Vivian, and Josephine, are all Americans as well.
A new chapter begins. We’re thrilled to announce the new Head Coach of your Charlotte Hornets, Coach Charles Lee! 🐝👏
Presented by @CorcoranHM
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) May 9, 2024
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Growing up, the D.C. native attended Quince Orchard High School in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where Lee took his first real steps towards basketball. This was before he started his journey at Bucknell, overseas, and headed to Wall Street. Looking back, we’re sure that Charles Lee would be happy that he left his job as a broker and chased his dreams, as he gears up for his second year as a head coach in the NBA.
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From Wall Street to NBA head coach—Is Charles Lee the most intriguing story in basketball?