DaJuan Coleman Lives in Shadow of Famous Namesake
DaJuan Coleman is a five-star power forward from the suburbs of Syracuse, NY, where a talented player with the same last name and position became a college star. But Derrick and DaJuan Coleman aren?t related. Trust us.
The 6-foot-8 Coleman is the 18th overall prospect ? fifth overall at his position ? in the class of 2012, according to Rivals.com. He?s a skilled low-post player with good hands and a soft touch around the basket. He?s also a wide load at a hefty 280 pounds.
That sounds a bit like Derrick Coleman, one of the greatest players in the history of the Syracuse Orange. Coleman went on to have a 15-year NBA career with four different teams.
Since DaJuan is old enough to be the son of the elder Coleman, 44, many people have made the leap. In fact, the younger Coleman said most people are shocked to find out the two aren?t related.
?People don?t ask if he?s my father, they just assume he is,? Coleman told ESPN Rise last year.
?I was like, ?That?s not my father,? and they?re like, ?Yes it is,? When I told them it really wasn?t, they were like, ?You don?t have to be ashamed.??
The shame, of course, stems from Derrick Coleman?s unfulfilled promise. Despite being one of the most-talented frontcourt players ever to grace the hardwood, he never quite put it all together.
A gifted scorer with a sweet outside stroke, the elder Coleman?s name became synonymous with the stereotype of the overpaid, under-performing NBA player that plagued the league?s image in the 1990s. He battled his weight and substance abuse, while being known for a lack of work ethic.
No wonder DaJuan Coleman is quick to correct those who think the two are related.
On the court, though, the younger Coleman is proving that he will assert himself. He has been described as one of the strongest players in high school basketball.
?He?s a monster in the paint,? Demetrius Mitchell, Coleman?s teammate at Jamesville-DeWitt High School, told ESPN Rise. ?Just give him the ball and watch him go.?
Many of the top schools around the country would like the ability to do so. Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, North Carolina, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech and, of course, Syracuse are among those interested in his services.
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