Derrick Coleman

Derrick Demetrius Coleman, born on June 21, 1967, in Mobile, Alabama, grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where he attended Northern High School. He later became a prominent college basketball player for Syracuse University’s Orangemen from 1986 to 1990. During his collegiate career, Coleman was a three-time First-team All-Big East selection and was named the Big East Player of the Year in 1990. He concluded his college tenure as the NCAA’s leading modern-day rebounder and Syracuse’s all-time career scoring leader, achievements that led to his number 44 jersey being retired by Syracuse on March 5, 2006.

Following a successful college career, Coleman was the first overall pick in the 1990 NBA draft by the New Jersey Nets. He quickly made an impact, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 1991. Throughout his 15-year NBA career, Coleman became known for his effective low post scoring, averaging 16.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. He achieved his peak performance with the New Jersey Nets, averaging 19.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game during his time there. A notable achievement includes being selected for the NBA All-Star Game in 1994 and being a two-time All-NBA Third Team honoree in 1993 and 1994. He also represented the US national team, winning a gold medal at the 1994 FIBA World Championship. Over his career, Coleman played for the New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, and Detroit Pistons.

After retiring from the NBA in 2005, Coleman shifted his focus to business and community involvement. He moved to Detroit and became active as a developer and entrepreneur. Demonstrating his commitment to community welfare, he notably assisted residents during the Flint water crisis, driving daily to provide them with clean bottled water and eating utensils. He has also occasionally offered his insights as a studio analyst for NBA TV’s “NBA Gametime Live” coverage, sharing his extensive basketball knowledge.