Want to learn more about Texas Longhorns freshman point guard Matt Coleman?
Now’s your chance:
The Norfolk, Virginia native began playing basketball at the tender age of 4, when he got a Fisher Price hoop for Christmas. Pretty soon, he was showing off his skills at the local YMCA.
“I thought I could dunk back then, but that was just a dream,” he says.
Things got real when Coleman was in middle school and began to realize he had the talent to make something of his basketball skills.
That said, he’s afraid of roller coasters and he can’t swim. Hey, nobody’s perfect.
Coleman says he’s motivated by his little brother, who he wants to be a role model for.
“I just want to set an example for him and lead the way.”
Coleman chose his jersey number (2) in honor of Charlotte Hornets point guard Briante Weber (a fellow Virginia native who played for Shaka Smart at VCU), who overcame multiple injuries to make it into the NBA.
“He’s like a big brother and role model to me,” Coleman says. “It means a lot to me because of want Briante has been through.”
This summer, Coleman is focused on becoming both a better player and a better leader. He says he’s most looking forward to playing in the Big 12 and, if all goes well, becoming the conference freshman of the year.