Prospect Spotlight: Jacob Coleman (2019)
Basehor-Linwood wing player Jacob Coleman is gearing up for a big junior season after a strong summer competing for MoKan Select 16U squad.
A well-rounded, versatile 6’4 wing player is a standout shooter at the offensive end of the court and can play all positions, 1-4, at both ends of the court. Defensively, he is a long, athletic player who can defend shots at the rim.
As a sophomore, Coleman began the season as the team’s sixth man getting quality minutes, and later stepped in for an injured Kate Tatkenhorst went down with injury. He helped Basehor-Linwood go 17-5 and advance to sub-state finals where they fell in double overtime.
“At the beginning of the season, I was nervous and was too timid on the court,” Coleman said. “The senior class did a good job of encouraging me and the other younger players to keep working hard. My confidence got better as we played more games together. When Kade went down half way through the year it brought up a starting opportunity.
“I became a stronger player and a better teammate knowing I had to help my team by picking up a few extra stats to make up for Kade’s being out.”
Coleman says competing with a new group of players with MoKan Select has been a positive experience for his growth as a player.
“To begin the summer every AAU team is trying to learn about each other and to find that team chemistry,” he said. “Once our team started clicking we’ve put together some solid wins. This summer, I expect to become a better player, a better teammate and to learn to be a better leader for my team.”
A year ago, Basehor-Linwood fell twice to Piper, including a sub-state contest. Coleman says he is looking forward to a rematch this year.
“The team I look forward to playing the most would be Piper High School, they beat us twice in the regular season and then again in substate,” Coleman said. “The player that I look forward to playing the most is Zach Harvey because he’s a great player and it’s always a good game.”
A Kansas Jayhawk fan, Coleman says his parents have had the biggest impact on his basketball career.
“I have been coached by and played with some amazing people but the biggest influence has probably been my parents,” he said. “They are always supportive and always give me solid advice.”
Coleman’s MoKan Select coach Troy Brown is also a coach at St. Mary’s and has given Coleman advice on playing at the next next. He says Northwest Missouri State has showed the most interest to date.