Derrick Coleman Quotes
Derrick Coleman Press Conference
Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.
March 5, 2006
On what it means to have his jersey retired:
“Sherman Douglas and my teammates, my friends, my everything. To be a part of that legacy is great. I’m overwhelmed just to be here and to see so many familiar faces that I haven’t seen a long time. Coach Boeheim – it really shows how great of a coach he is to have guys like he’s had – Billy Owens, Sherman—this moment right now for me is more appreciation and thanking him for letting me be a part of this.”
On watching Gerry McNamara go through his senior day introductions:
“I was sitting there with Billy and my hand started sweating. I got goose bumps. It reminds me of my senior year, being here. It was great. I can’t say enough for Gerry because I sit there and I’ve watched him play. To see what he’s sacrificed for this game of basketball – going from being a scorer to changing position to play point guard, which really takes away from his scoring and other things that he can do. It just goes to show you the sacrifice he has made for this team and his teammates.”
On being back in the Carrier Dome:
“You know what? I got choked up. I was thinking about all of the fun that I had here at this university and I was looking for it. What happened to the Dunk Club? (laughs) It’s been great to be a part of that and to be a part of this university. Through the good, through the bad, I think people in Syracuse have always supported me, no matter what.”
On what Syracuse University means to him:
“There’s no comparison. In four years, my time being here at this university I can’t even put that or even include that in being in the NBA. There’s nothing like it. I had more fun playing college basketball here at Syracuse University than I ever had playing in the NBA. I think if you bring Billy and the other guys in here, they’ll tell you the same thing. There’s no comparison. The friendships that I made here at Syracuse University are still my best friends to this day. That’s just….Coming here as a young adult and maturing to an adult. The best years of my life have been here, playing in front of 33,000, 34,000 people and developing friendships over those years. Those are the people that I’m loyal to.”
On why he chose to wear 44:
“I’ve worn 44 my whole life, (because of) George Irving. The Ice Man. Growing up as a kid, I always wanted that number.”
