Expectations for Coleman's senior season

[RF2044]

I'm curious to hear what people expect from Coleman this year.

Obviously, his career has been underwhelming thus far. And last year, he was primarily a warm body space eater, who had lots of ups and downs.

I don't envision that he's ever going to post big numbers, but I could see an uptick in performance from him this season based upon three important factors:

• This will be the first season since his collegiate career began where he's entering the season healthy. Instead of trying to get back to a baseline of just being able to return to a minimum threshold of athletic performance, Coleman stayed in shape and can now devote his time, effort, and off-season focus to...

• Spending the offseason working on improving his game, instead of rehabbing to get back to square one. My opinion only, but this is a huge advantage; he hasn't shown much improvement throughout his career, in large part because he [1] wasn't healthy enough to play much, and [2] his physical problems stunted his development. An offseason of being able to work on his game might help his refinement and enable him to show a more effective, expanded game.

• Whereas he entered last season largely unproven / inexperienced, with relatively little meaningful game experience under his belt, he's entered this year with a full season under his belt. And the final four run may pay dividends in terms of him playing in pressure game situations.

Again, not expecting Coleman to somehow morph into Christmas. He's going to split time with Chukwu / Lydon, so anyone looking for a 7 and 7 consistent type of year is bound to be disappointed. But I wouldn't be surprised to see him play more effectively this season, based upon the factors listed above.

What say you?

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Above and beyond averages per game, I'd love to see Coleman improve his efficiency stats - very high field goal and free throw %, low turnovers, great rebound rates. I don't think he'll play a ton of minutes or see the ball much on offense, so Coleman shines by making an impact with limited opportunities.

 

[Cuse'91]

Well, since I already said he would play "money" minutes as a back to the basket pf;
20 and 10/night...

 

[two3zone]

I expect what he did last season (which was not bad at all and I think he exceeded expectations), if he can give us what he did last season or maybe a tad bit more I would be very happy.

 

[Eric15]

DC is a great kid and I admire him for what he's had to deal with in terms of injuries, but he's just not a fundamentally sound big man and I don't expect that to suddenly change this coming season.

 

[jordoo]

I am hoping for some consistent post scoring and better FT% to go with his already good rebounding. I hesitate to put numbers to it because its hard to figure out how many minutes he will play but if he could be a legitimate post threat when in the game that would be great. He would have to make some strides and improvements as RF2044 mentioned but its certainly within reach.

 

[Shenexon]

Coleman is a great kid that has endured hardship with grace and perseverance. He'll never have the spring in his legs that he once did, but he could be a meaningful component in JB' s next national championship team. All power to him...

 

[Cusefan0307]

I'm bullish on DC more than most. He didn't even start practicing after his injury for almost 2 years (last August). It's amazing he even did what he did last year. I've heard good things about him. Maybe Dash or Gilardino can expand more, but I think he could potentially be a guy we can throw it to 3 or 4 times a game in the post and he will get us a bucket or make the right pass. He will offensive rebound for us. He will never be a shot blocker, but we will need his bulk against some of the better frontlines such as Duke/UNC/NC State.

 

[IthacaMatt]

I'm curious to hear what people expect from Coleman this year.

Obviously, his career has been underwhelming thus far. And last year, he was primarily a warm body space eater, who had lots of ups and downs.

What say you?

Six points and six rebounds a game would be fine. A small uptick from last year, with maybe a bit fewer minutes. He played roughly 18 minutes a game last year, and averaged 4.9 PPG and 4.6 Reb. With Chukwu, he might play a bit less - say 15 minutes a game. If he can do that, I'm happy.

 

[orange79]

DC is a great kid and I admire him for what he's had to deal with in terms of injuries, but he's just not a fundamentally sound big man and I don't expect that to suddenly change this coming season.

The player who comes to mind when I read your post is Danny Schayes. He toiled in relative obscurity for 3 years, and then had a monster senior year, parlaying that into being a 1st round pick and a long NBA career. Please note, I'm not saying DC is going to have that kind of year. But big senior year turnarounds do happen. Not often at all, but they do.

 

[Dave85]

I'm curious to hear what people expect from Coleman this year.

Obviously, his career has been underwhelming thus far. And last year, he was primarily a warm body space eater, who had lots of ups and downs.

I don't envision that he's ever going to post big numbers, but I could see an uptick in performance from him this season based upon three important factors:

• This will be the first season since his collegiate career began where he's entering the season healthy. Instead of trying to get back to a baseline of just being able to return to a minimum threshold of athletic performance, Coleman stayed in shape and can now devote his time, effort, and off-season focus to...

• Spending the offseason working on improving his game, instead of rehabbing to get back to square one. My opinion only, but this is a huge advantage; he hasn't shown much improvement throughout his career, in large part because he [1] wasn't healthy enough to play much, and [2] his physical problems stunted his development. An offseason of being able to work on his game might help his refinement and enable him to show a more effective, expanded game.

• Whereas he entered last season largely unproven / inexperienced, with relatively little meaningful game experience under his belt, he's entered this year with a full season under his belt. And the final four run may pay dividends in terms of him playing in pressure game situations.

Again, not expecting Coleman to somehow morph into Christmas. He's going to split time with Chukwu / Lydon, so anyone looking for a 7 and 7 consistent type of year is bound to be disappointed. But I wouldn't be surprised to see him play more effectively this season, based upon the factors listed above.

What say you?

Damn it! I find myself agreeing with two3zone. I think about the same as last year in terms of PT. But incrementally better results on offense and defense.

 

[OburgOrange]

I hope he stays injury free. He deserves it . I've always been a DC fan. He's worked his butt off.

 

[RF2044]

Six points and six rebounds a game would be fine. A small uptick from last year, with maybe a bit fewer minutes. He played roughly 18 minutes a game last year, and averaged 4.9 PPG and 4.6 Reb. With Chukwu, he might play a bit less - say 15 minutes a game. If he can do that, I'm happy.

There were definitely stretches last year where he flashed better ability to finish inside, and volume rebounding in limited minutes. With a little bit of improvement, he could be an effective role player for us who plays more minutes against some teams, depending on matchups, and produces.

Last year with more efficiency and a bit more productivity, plus 5 fouls in the pivot -- sign me up.

 

[weepeel]

Look the great news is that we have very good depth at the 5 spot this year...therefore we wont have to worry if DC gets in foul trouble or gets gassed.

I could easily see him being able to pull down 7 boards if he got 25 minites of play if his stamina and agility improve.

What we need is white to shore up our offense since the bulk of our points are going to be from the 1-4 spots.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

20 minutes a game.
8 & 6.

 

[cuseincincy]

I expect him to play with abandon and be a combination of Craig Forth and Andre Hawkins. 8 & 6 sounds reasonable to me even with Chukwa playing his share. I expect maybe 5 & 5 out of Chukwa with a couple blocked shots per game. 13/11/2 sounds like National Championship caliber center play!
I think we see less of Lydon at the 5 than many think. Thompson may get more minutes at the 5 than Lydon. But a Lydon, White, Battle, Howard and Gillon lineup could do some serious damage against smaller teams. That's almost Nova-ish with 4 guards and a 5 that can shoot.

 

[Briancuse]

20 minutes a game.
8 & 6.

I think that is a reasonable number, and with the talent we have, that is plenty.

 

[br801]

20 minutes a game.
8 & 6.

That's right where I was going. Glad I saw your post first or I would have been accused of plagiarism.

 

[rocklloyd]

A golfing buddy of mine knows him quite well. Based in discussions, I think his ceiling is limited. I think his conditioning might get a bit better, but he won't have the mobility he did prior to the knee work. I think we get what we get and are happy about it.

 

[Eric15]

The biggest thing with DC is just to stop bringing the darned ball down in the lane! He's been doing this since the minute he walked on the SU campus. He constantly gets ripped by savvy guards -- it's a huge weakness that he needs to address in his final year.

 

[Eric15]

The player who comes to mind when I read your post is Danny Schayes. He toiled in relative obscurity for 3 years, and then had a monster senior year, parlaying that into being a 1st round pick and a long NBA career. Please note, I'm not saying DC is going to have that kind of year. But big senior year turnarounds do happen. Not often at all, but they do.

My Dad used to play pickup basketball with Schayes up at Sunnycrest Park in Syracuse in the early 80s, and apparently Schayes would talk to me and make me laugh when I was a baby.

 

[NineOneSeven]

6 and 6

 

[General20]

I expect him to be a solid back up center (even if he starts). I expect him to play 10-15 minutes a game and give us solid defense and scoring (by back up center standards) and above average rebounding. Most of all I expect him to work harder off the court than anybody else on the team and in that respect be a leader by setting a great example.

Considering the injuries he has suffered, the things I mentioned above will be a huge accomplishment worthy of praise.

 

[IthacaMatt]

There were definitely stretches last year where he flashed better ability to finish inside, and volume rebounding in limited minutes. With a little bit of improvement, he could be an effective role player for us who plays more minutes against some teams, depending on matchups, and produces.

Last year with more efficiency and a bit more productivity, plus 5 fouls in the pivot -- sign me up.

I like DaJuan, but he can't get above the rim anymore. There are certain guys he just can't score inside against. That's OK. He knows how to quarterback the zone; he can teach these new guards where they need to be, and what cuts and passes to watch for, what slides to make, where the steals can be found, and he can make the outlet pass to help them get down the floor on the break. He has toughness. He has overcome a lot. The other guys like him and he does still bring something to the team. I don't see a Rak like final season for him, but he can play an important role on this team. He has seen and experienced a lot.

 

[JoeySimz]

I think he's going to be more aggressive on offense. Maybe he's been polishing up his footwork? For a guy who does not jump well, he had some really strong moves at the end of last season and went to the free throw line a bit. Even a small improvement will be great.