Samford grad transfer point guard Justin Coleman announced on Twitter that he will play for Arizona next season, giving the Wildcats an established point guard.
A 5-10, 170-pound player who was a four-star prospect as a prep in Birmingham, Coleman spent his first two seasons at Alabama, where he started 16 of 67 games. He sat out 2016-17 and last season led the Southern Conference in assists per game (6.3).
Thank you father God for this opportunity, thanks to all the great programs that have gave me a opportunity. But it’s BEAR DOWN! pic.twitter.com/NpizTT8yIT
— J2️⃣ (@justincoleman05) April 27, 2018
Upon deciding to transfer again as a graduate this spring, Coleman took visits to Texas (April 9), Texas Southern (April 13) and SMU (April 20) before visiting Arizona. He was also considering Marquette, Ohio State, UAB, Auburn and Saint Louis.
Coleman averaged 13.5 points last season while posting a 2.4-1 assist-turnover ratio and hitting 80.6 percent of his free throws and 37.3 percent of his 3-pointers.
"Even going back to his time in high school, you could definitely see that he’s an explosive playmaker and that he can get downhill, get in the paint and either create for himself, or set up an easy basket for others,” Samford coach Scott Padgett said. “He has a great work-ethic and love for the game. He also competes on every play and wants to win. Those are the things that definitely draw your attention as a coach.”
Coleman will have an opportunity to start at point guard for the Wildcats, who only have sophomore Alex Barcello at the position so far. The Wildcats also remain under consideration by Southern California guard Brandon Williams, who decommitted on March 2. Williams is scheduled to visit Gonzaga this weekend and is also considering Oregon.
Williams’ stepfather, Chris Wright, said this week that a commitment from Coleman would not affect Williams’ decision.
Arizona now has four commits for the class of 2018, all of whom have committed in the past three weeks: California high school guard Devonaire Doutrive, Belgian wing Omar Thielemans and Pitt grad transfer forward Ryan Luther. The Wildcats also have six players returning, giving them 10 players lined up overall for next season.
