Meet the Transfers: SMC’s Joe Coleman
By Simon Tryzna
Feb 26, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Gophers guard Joe Coleman (11) dunks in the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Coleman hit a career high 29 points in a 84-67 win at 12th ranked Illinois on January 9, 2013. The same Illinois team that won in Spokane against the Gonzaga team that finished the regular season first in the polls.
While Aaron Bright will be the primary point guard, Coleman should be guard that picks up the points per game that the Gaels lose with the departure of Stephen Holt.
Time at Minnesota:
After averaging 5.8 points per game as a freshman, Coleman bumped it up to 8.7 his sophomore year. He can fill out the buckets, and his points per game average should improve since he will not be playing in the defensively sound Big 10 anymore.
Coleman’s 29 points are impressive, but so are his nine points and five rebounds in an upset win over then number one Indiana. He also had 12 points in just 19 minutes in a first round win in the NCAA tournament against NCAA.
Impact at Saint Mary’s:
The defenses Coleman should face as a Gael won’t be at the same level as the ones he faced at Minnesota. The fact that he has played in big games will be huge addition to an already senior laden team. With Bright bringing the ball up and Carter presenting a deep threat, Coleman should have the freedom to look for his shot and take away offensive pressure from Brad Waldow. His redshirt season has been marred by a foot injury as Coleman has missed valuable time with the team due to rehab. With away trips to St. John’s and possibly Creighton looming, Saint Mary’s will need to get the best from Coleman if they want to jump out of the gate hot as they did this past season.