Prospect Spotlight: Chase Coleman (2019)
In an area like the 757 that’s known for producing some of the best athletes in the world, it’s not uncommon to see family of players that come through at different times, and it’s only natural to compare them. For…
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Continue ReadingIn an area like the 757 that’s known for producing some of the best athletes in the world, it’s not uncommon to see family of players that come through at different times, and it’s only natural to compare them. For Maury sophomore Chase Coleman it’s a little different, because his brother Matt is one of the most highly touted point guards in the country.
“He has a great pull up and great form, and he can see the whole floor at all times,” Chase said about his brother’s game. “He can lead his team well, and I think I can do the same. I have a lot of things to work on though, but I’ll get it done.”
Matt started his career at Maury as well, but transferred to national powerhouse Oak Hill last season where he helped lead them to the national championship. While Matt was playing on national TV and getting recruited by some of the most prestigious programs in the country, Chase was making a name for himself at Maury, where he started almost every game as a freshman.
While the comparisons are unfair because they’re different types of players, Chase admits that the battles with his brother have helped mold him into the player that he is now.
“He’s always been a killer, so I’ve always had to invest on the defensive end to be able to stop him,” Coleman said about his brother Matt. “I’d also have to come back at his neck every time on offense.”
Coleman was so good this summer he was moved up to play on Boo William’s 16U team.Coleman, who’s a 5’10” true point guard, may not have the size and athleticism that his brother has, but he shares the same understanding at the lead guard position. The lefty has a deadly stroke from deep, can create his own shot off the bounce but most importantly, he’s a leader and a winner.
His freshman year at Maury, Coleman, along with his backcourt mate and fellow freshman Bryan Phillips, solidified himself as possibly the next great guard at a school who has produced some great players over the past two decades. Not only did his battles with his brother help him as a player, he’s also learned a lot from his coach Jack Baker, one of the winningest coaches in Virginia history.
“He’s a great guy and a great coach,” Coleman says about his legendary coach. “He knows how to win games, he has over 700 wins, so as long as he keeps me on the right track I’ll give my all to keep him on the right track.”
This year will be a big year for both Coleman and Phillips, who come in with another year of experience playing together. They’re both point guards, but their games are almost polar opposites as Phillips’ is more of a slasher and bully guard than Coleman is. Still, they mesh well together, and Coleman says there isn’t anyone he’d rather share the backcourt with.
“We’ve got a great chemistry,” Coleman said about him and his backcourt mate. “As long as we keep things clicking, we’re passing each other the ball and neither of us are selfish we’ll be on good terms.”
A competitor at heart, Coleman doesn’t shy away from the fact that he wants to prove that he’s more than just “Matt Coleman’s brother,” and he feels like the best way to make a name for himself is to stay focused on getting better and winning games.
“I just want to win games. We have a good team this year. I just want to win games, play well and get everyone involved. Nobody should be selfish this year.”
Be on the lookout for Coleman this year, who’s on a mission to show that he’s one of the best point guards in the state, regardless of class.