DaJaun Coleman lived up to the hype last night at the Zebra Classic, a showcase for Central New York hoops stars. The Jamesville-Dewitt High School big man looked imposing on the offensive end, hammering home six dunks and scoring at will in the post. The 6’9″ center displayed an array of pivot moves using power dribbles and even a few scoop shots under the basket. Coleman‚Äôs talent left no doubt about why he is the #2 prospect in the ESPNU 100 for the class of 2012.
The Fizz has been tracking the CNY big man for nearly two years now. Even in an All-Star game with plenty of talent, it was clear on the court this was DaJuan and everybody else. He will almost certainly follow current Syracuse commits Syracuse commits Michael Carter-Williams and Rakeem Christmas and play in the McDonalds All-American Game next year.
- Listen to the FizzCast as we dissect the odds Coleman will join SU (17:00 mark)
Of course, the more pressing question in the mind of Syracuse fans is will he follow in the footsteps of former J-D stars Brandon Triche and Andy Rautins to the Hill? Coleman says he is in no hurry to make that decision.
“I’m going to wait until about midway through my senior year. Not until after I take my official visits.”
Coleman refused to reveal any favorite in the race for his services. He instead talked about keeping his options open and making all five of his official visits.
Coleman also spoke about having Kentucky coach John Calipari come watch one of his games.
“It was real cool after he just won his game beating West Virginia (in the second round of the NCAA Tournament) flying out to my game. It was real nice.”
Coleman touched on his relationship with Jim Boeheim and the Syracuse coaching staff as well.
“I have had a real good connection with them ever since I was in the eighth grade.”
It’s no wonder why elite programs like Syracuse, Kentucky and others are after him. He scored 22 points and grabbed 7 rebounds last night. If there is a weakness to Coleman’s game it’s from the line, where he struggled going only 4 for 12, though his stroke looked better than that. At times, Coleman also seemed to be going through the motions, jogging rather than ran the floor. Coleman didn‚Äôt always hustle for rebounds and allowed some easy baskets inside, as well. Despite the sporadic effort, it was clear that Coleman is a force down low.
The most impressive thing about Coleman is simply how physically imposing he is. At 6‚Äô9″, he looked massive, towering over everybody in sight. He is very wide as well and uses his size extremely well in the paint. His physical attributes are superb with quick hands, nimble feet and great overall quickness for his size. There is no question about his potential and he’s an absolute specimen, especially as a high school junior.
Coleman is understandably coveted by Syracuse fans. Yet despite all the talk about his connection to the Orange, he insists he feels no pressure to choose SU. The Per’fesser, his staff, and maybe even Rautins and Triche, will need all of their powers of persuasion to get DaJuan to the Dome for the ’12-’13 season.
Posted: Alex Plavin
9 responses to “SU Recruit DaJaun Coleman Dominates, Talks Boeheim & Calipari”
as a former j-d grad, i am proud of the alums to come out of there and the success they have had. but one thing about coleman that keeps glaring at me is his desire and work ethic. i am glad you touched on that but disappointed you appear to brush it off.
yes, i would love to have someone with his talent and potential at the cuse, but i don’t want someone with a lack of desire to use those talents to their full potential. we already have a “tradition” of that at syracuse and i think that is a major contributor to why we only have one national championship despite being an “elite” program and JB’s overrated statistic of X amount of seasons with 20 or more victories.
As you mentioned in your post, it’s Coleman on the court and everyone else. The problem appears to be Coleman knows this too. If a kid can’t get motivated to put in 100% every game in high school, why should we suspect that will change in college?
Look at the Duke’s of the world… as much as everyone hates them, they are successful because they recruit the right kind of person… kids that are motivated and willing to learn in addition to possessing outstanding skills on the court.
i hope coleman makes the most of his opportunity, but i fear that his chances of being a bust are far greater than his chances of being a superstar.
hes not as good as everyone thinks…he’ll end up going to kansas and riding the bench until his junior and senior year, then he’ll be a late draft pick. He sucks
It never ceases to amaze me,how stupid people really can be. There are a couple of points made by skeptic that needs to be addressed.
How can anyone in their right mind make a statement saying that Syracuse has a tradition of under achieving players? Who in sams hell is he talking about? It’s also clear to me that he loves Duke to which I reply,I feel your pain bro. With all of those great players that love and understand the game, how did they do in the tournament this year? What about Duke’s point guard Kyrie Irving leaving for the NBA after one year of collage? I guess Coach K couldn’t influance him to stay,and get his degree.
DaJaun Coleman is going to do alright no matter where he goes to school. I hope that he comes to Syracuse to play,and I hope that he learns to ignore stupid comments made by people like skeptic,who in my opinion,don’t know what they are talking about.
I will give skeptic one point – I’d rather have players who possess a “failure is not an option” work ethic vice “I’m a prima donna and I know it”.
Think Rick Jackson vs Donte Green.
I’ve seen DaJuan play. He’s a major talent – no doubt. Excellent big man skills already. Perhaps in addition to developing an Andy Rautins-like work ethic, he also needs to work on his conditioning. To truly become an elite at the collegiate level and beyond, DaJuan is going to have to put down the Big Macs and fries, hit the weight room and run, run, run.
Easier said than done for a high school kid, I concede.
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