Friday, February 22, 2013
How Coleman's return impacts Syracuse
By Nic Reiner
Syracuse freshman center DaJuan Coleman returned to practice Thursday after missing six games with a torn meniscus. Coleman returns to the floor a mere three weeks after having surgery on the left knee. The Orange will benefit from the interior presence Coleman brings.
At 6-foot-9, 288-pounds, Coleman provides a big body in the middle on both ends of the floor and will free up space offensively for other Syracuse playmakers James Southerland and C.J. Fair.
He's cleared to play in Saturday's big Big East tilt against Georgetown but it's unclear how much he'll be utilized given the quick turnaround.
Coleman started the first 20 games and averaged 5.0 points and 4.4 rebounds. He only saw the foor about 15 minutes a game but posted a hefty 23.8 usage rate while on the court.
The Orange will need all the help they can get with a Big East stretch run that includes two dates with Georgetown and games against Louisville and Marquette over the next five games. If he returns healthy, Coleman could be quite a spark for the Orange as they gear up for the conference tournament and beyond.
