Catching Up With SU Basketball Legends: Derrick Coleman

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Not only does Coach Jim Boeheim's Fantasy Camp allow participants to learn from former SU players, they are taught by some of the greatest to ever come through the Syracuse basketball program.

So when Derrick Coleman, the man who has his jersey hanging in the Carrier Dome rafters and who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1990 NBA draft is handing out tips, you should take advantage.

Maybe more impressive, though, than his 2,143 points and 1,537 rebounds at SU, is what Coleman contributes to his community with yet another man whose jersey hangs in the Dome.

How is life treating you and what are you do to stay busy?

Life is great and I am back home in Detroit. I own a Tim Horton's franchise and a Hungry Howie's Pizza franchise. Most importantly though, I'm trying to give back to the city of Detroit. They have really revitalized the city with the Mayor, who happens to be (former Orange All-American) Dave Bing.

Are you in contact with Dave Bing much?

Yes, all the time. I was with Dave two days ago. We rolled out a neighborhood initiative program in hopes to stabilize some of the communities in the city of Detroit.

You have been around the program recently and now with the added advantage of the Carmelo Anthony Basketball Practice Facility, what would be your words of wisdom to an incoming recruit?

The thing about Syracuse basketball is -- Syracuse basketball is a brand. It's like Nike, it's like Coke-a-Cola or what have you. What kid wouldn't want to come to a University like Syracuse where you have the opportunity to practice in a pro facility and play in front of 33,000 people? That is a brand. You don't need to market that to the world, they already know what it stands for.

What are your favorite memories of playing at Syracuse?

The biggest one would be going to the national championship as a freshman. The Syracuse vs. Georgetown rivalry was great. Just being a part of Syracuse as a whole was great -- the fans, the community, my teammate and coaches and the camaraderie that we had.

You had a very good run in the NBA. Can you touch upon your biggest achievements?

My fondest memories, first and foremost, were being drafted No. 1 overall, winning Rookie of the Year, being on the All-Star team, and earning a gold medal with the U.S.A “Dream Team.” But it's the same thing as the camaraderie with all my teammates and the guys I had the opportunity to play with and get to know over the years.

Tomorrow's “Where Are They Now” will feature the third leading scorer in SU program history, John Wallace.

Syracuse University Athletics

Catching Up With SU Basketball Legends: Derrick Coleman

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