Coleman’s fearlessness shows up every game as he consistently drives into the lane, takes hits from guys who outweigh him by 50 pounds and still manages to spin, arc or flip in shots. His confidence has been on display for even longer.
Even though he was on track to leave Butler High (Augusta, Ga.) as the school’s all-time-leading scorer, Coleman was drawing only low- and mid-major looks. Betting on himself to demand more attention, he decided to go to Lawson State Community College in Birmingham, Ala.
He averaged 19.9 points and 6.2 assists and — as he expected — Cal came calling.