Star guard Dallan Coleman set to announce decision today
Star shooting guard Dallan “Deebo” Coleman is set today to announce where he will play college basketball. He recently narrowed his choices to Ole Miss, Texas Tech, and Georgia Tech.
UPDATE: Deebo Coleman has selected Georgia Tech as the school he will attend and play basketball.
I bet most of y’all have never heard of the “Battle of the Alligator” or spent much time out in Callahan, Florida. This rural town in northeast Florida with a population of roughly 1,123 doesn’t get noticed much, but make no mistake, it has a warrior spirit.
Just take a drive down One Warrior Drive and you will find yourself at West Nassau High School. You might just arrive in time to hear the band playing the signature “War Chant.” And if you head over to the gym, be prepared to wait in a long line to get a glimpse of Dallan “Deebo” Coleman, one of the nation’s top high school basketball recruits.
All eyes are on Coleman today, as coaches and fans will find out at 1:00 pm (CT) which school he chooses to continue his career.
Ten days ago, Coleman trimmed his list of potential colleges from 11 to three, and lo and behold, Kermit Davis and the Rebels made the final cut. The Rebels are going head to head with Josh Pastner and Georgia Tech as well as Chris Beard and his Young Guns at Texas Tech. Most of the “crystal balls” have Coleman becoming a Yellow Jacket, but we will find out for sure this afternoon.
#togetherweswarm #hottytoddy WreckEm pic.twitter.com/yKErwZTbv7
— Dallan “Deebo” Coleman (@deebo923) October 16, 2020
All the right moves
Coleman is one smooth operator when it comes to the basketball court. The 6-foot-6 inch, 210-pound senior shooting guard has all the right moves, especially when it comes to his shooting ability.
247Sports describes Coleman as:
“A physical shooting guard with a smooth and skilled game. Not an overly explosive athlete, but can impose himself on the court with the combo of his strength, skill, basketball IQ and smooth athleticism. His standout skill is his shooting. Has a silky shot and deep range. Shoots well off dribble and the catch. Good ball handler who can see the court. Solid defender and rebounder. His shooting, though, is what makes him standout.”
Coleman, who has been a three-year starter for the Warriors, has accounted for 1,797 points thus far in his high school career and is well on his way to join the 2K club — which has only been done by a dozen players out in Northeast Florida.
A day in the life 🔐 in!! Money shots #nevergivenalwaysearned #500makesaday pic.twitter.com/UGElXrRBc5
— Dallan “Deebo” Coleman (@deebo923) October 2, 2020
Ranked by ESPN as the No. 34 overall and the No. 3 recruit in the state of Florida, Coleman has caused a flurry of activity with scouts and coaches flocking Callahan to see if they can get on Deebos’ radar.
Closer look at the teams vying for Deebo
Ole Miss: Ole Miss finished last season 15-17 in Davis’ second season and reached the NCAA Tournament for the 8th time in program history. The Rebels return nine players this season including senior point guard Devonte Shuler and junior forward KJ Buffen. The Rebels also added three transfers during the spring: Robert Allen, Dimencio Vaughn, and Romell White. Oxford native and Cal State transfer Jarkel Joiner is finally eligible to play this season. The Rebels are looking to hit the court come November stronger than ever and they want to keep building.
Bringing in a kid like Deebo Coleman who would be backed by seasoned vets is how you build successful programs. We can thank Rebels’ assistant coach Ronnie Hamilton has put in the hours to show Coleman why Oxford needs to be the young star’s next home. Here, he can make an impact from the jump not just in the air shooting baskets but with the ball in his hands.
Coleman brings a lot to the table because he can score in a variety of ways, and he is the player you want on your team because he can execute in close games.
College basketball recruiting is a whole different animal. I learned that from Coach Cal and Kentucky basketball. He taught me you can’t be afraid to go out there and get young talent and make them a part of the team from the get-go. If you can find kids with versatility, get them, and develop and nurture them. At the end of the day, it’s about a fit. Deebo, you’ve got three damn good programs from which to choose.
Texas Tech: Texas Tech comes in like the dark horse, but what Coach Beard has done down there is to be commended. He’s building a culture and has had luck getting there sooner rather than later. We will see if it’s built to last!
Georgia Tech: Georgia Tech is a school Coleman has known and has shown him love and loyalty from the very beginning. It’s a place that brings a sense of comfort to him. Programs like that, especially in recruiting, are ones you have to respect. It’s only natural he has them in the final three, with some believing, we we mentioned above, they are the front-runner.
Something about Ole Miss
As we all know, there’s just something about Ole Miss. Coming here to Oxford would offer Deebo a chance to be a part of a team that I truly believe is building into greatness. It starts with young talent like his, something Coach Davis has been very successful in attracting. Here, Deebo, you can build and grow, both on and off the court.
Today, the Rebel faithful will be calling out those prayer requests. I know I am hoping the late, great Country Graham can work his magic up in the sky and bring Coleman the Creator to Oxford! We sure could use a talent like that next season! #ComeToTheSip
Lee Ann Herring-Olvedo
Lee Ann is the Director of Recruiting for The Rebel Walk. She is a veteran SEC sports journalist and NFL content writer. She is also the Sr. Editor for MESPORTS digital. Herring-Olvedo is a Brown University graduate who loves good cigars, good games, and a smooth glass of bourbon — not necessarily in that order.
