In his junior season, Kofoed transferred to the Nebraska–Kearney Lopers, and averaged 21.2 points and had 186 assists. As a senior, he set school records with 902 points, a 26.5 average and 198 assists and led the Lopers to a 26–8 mark and a record-setting 10th straight appearance in the NAIA National Tournament. For his play that season, he was named a second team All-American and was conference and district player of the year.[1][2]
Professional career
Utah Jazz
Kofoed was drafted 107th overall in the fifth round of the 1987 NBA draft.[3] In his rookie season, he lived with Karl Malone.[4][5] He didn't play at first as he had a broken foot, but soon joined the roster.[6] He played in 36 of the Jazz's remaining 54 games.[7] In a Game 1 loss during their playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers, he filled in for Kelly Tripucka, scoring seven points and holding All-Star Clyde Drexler to below his season average in points.[6] The Jazz moved on to the semis, where they held a 2–1 lead.[8] In Game 4, his inexperience showed, as he got into foul trouble, had several turnovers, and missed shots.[9][10] Although the Jazz extended the series,[11] they lost Game 7, and the Lakers went on to win the championship.[12]
The Jazz re-signed Kofoed to a two-year contract.[7] During a New Year's Eve party to ring in 1989, Kofoed and teammate Bobby Hansen got into a fight, with Kofoed breaking Hansen's cheekbone. Hansen couldn't play for a month. Two days after the incident, the Jazz waived him.[13]
Kofoed then signed with the Golden State Warriors.[15] A sprained ankle caused the team to waive him, but when Mitch Richmond broke his thumb, the Warriors signed him once again.[16]
Kofoed then signed with the Seattle Supersonics.[15] In a loss to the Charlotte Hornets, he scored a career-high 15 points along with nine assists and five rebounds.[19] He would go on to play a career-high 44 games for them.[15] He was waived near the end of the season, but stayed with the team to help prepare them for the playoffs.[20]
Boston Celtics
On October 8, 1992, Kofoed signed with the Boston Celtics. He was waived a month later, but brought back to the team a few days after he was cut.[15] He had six assists in a win over the Detroit Pistons.[21] In January 1993, he was waived before his contract became guaranteed.[22] In all, he only played seven games for the team, averaging 2.4 points and 1.4 assists per game as a reserve.[23]
Third CBA stint
He helped the Racers win the 1993 title.[24] The following season, they were the champions of their conference.[24] He signed with them for one more season.[25] He tried to sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but couldn't make the team.[26]
After retirement, Kofoed put up his own restaurants, one of which he had to close down.[28] He then worked at Cisco Food Services. He then established 2XSALT, a non-profit Christian organization based in Charlotte, North Carolina that supports underprivileged youth through sports. NBA legends David Thompson and Bobby Jones then came aboard to help run the program.[29] He and his wife also own a non-profit restaurant, The Grinning Mule.[30]
Personal life
Kofoed is married and they have four children.[31]
