Arizona Basketball: Justin Coleman is leading by example

Arizona Basketball point guard Justin Coleman proves he is indeed a leader for this years 2018 squad.

It is never easy to make a change in life. Those changes can redirect one’s life in a different path that is often unknown. The change that Justin Coleman made to play for Arizona Basketball is paying off big time.

It is as if the bright lights only make Justin step up his game. As he has led the Wildcats to a 3-0 start at McKale Center were his passing abilities and knowledge of the offense was clearly on display for all Wildcat fans.

Justin Coleman’s game carried over to the Maui Tournament where the young Wildcats team was going to be tested. As they faced some stiff competition in teams that are not only nationally ranked but will most likely be dancing in March.

Arizona’s first matchup was against an Iowa State team that is tough and is willing to get very physical at times. In a closely contested battle where the Wildcats needed someone to take and make the big shot.

Arizona Wildcats

Enter Justin Coleman who finished the game with 18 points on seven of thirteen shooting. This performance helped the Wildcats go to 4-0 with a 71-66 win over the Cyclones.

This set up a meeting with a west coast rival in number three ranked Gonzaga. Over the years this matchup was for bragging rights for the best basketball program on the west coast. With the pressure building in yet another close battle, here comes Justin Coleman. With yet another outstanding performance finishing with 28 points on seven of twelve shooting.

Unfortunately, the Cats fell short in a 91-74 loss to the Zags. Who went on to defeat and upset No. 1 Duke in the Maui Invitational Championship game.

That was great news for the Wildcats, the Cats had the Zags on the ropes for most of their game until Chase Jeter fouled out. The team had one more game to redeem themselves against an Auburn who is ranked eighth nationally and is looking to knock off Kentucky this year for an SEC title.

Again, Justin Coleman brought his A game and did his best to lead his Wildcats to victory. Finishing the game with sixteen points on 7-10 shooting. While the Cats hung around for most of the game, it was a late run from the Tigers that put the Wildcats away.

Justin filled the stat book in Maui and was rewarded by being named to all the “All Maui Team.”

What doesn’t show on the stat sheet though is the heart and passion that Justin Coleman plays with. He takes pride in his game on both ends of the floor and plays for the name on the front of his jersey instead of the name on the back.

If you have seen Justin Coleman play, make sure to do so as the Wildcats return home next Thursday to take on Georgia Southern a time 7 pm. As always, BearDown and Go Cats!