Spring Break
The Daily OrangeColeman acclimates to scorer’s role
By Adam Kilgore
Posted: 3/4/03, 1:13 AM EST Section: Sports
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Now if she could only figure out why.
"I don't know," Coleman said. "I just come out to play. If I make more buckets than I did last year, then I did."
Saying Coleman's been scoring more points this season is like suggesting Mozart is more musically inclined than the Backstreet Boys. In other words, it’s a ridiculous understatement.
Coleman, a sophomore, averaged 2.6 points in 10 minutes her freshman season. Coleman ranks third on SU in scoring (13.2 points per game) and second in minutes per game (37.5).
Coleman will try to extend the trend tonight when Syracuse (10-16, 5-10 Big East) plays its final regular-season game, against Notre Dame (17-9, 9-6) in Manley Field House at 7, even if she can’t figure out how it began.
"I don't know," Coleman said. "I just put the ball up more."
While Coleman is lost explaining her success, head coach Marianna Freeman thinks two factors helped Coleman — hard work and confidence.
"We had asked her to work hard," Freeman said. "Normally, you will ask a young person to do that. This is what you have to improve upon: Your shot has to become a lot more consistent, you have to be able to handle the ball for us, defense has to improve. You'll tell them all those things when they get ready to go home for the summer, and on most occasions, they come back the same player. Rochelle came back a different player."
During the summer, Coleman crafted her jump shot and improved her conditioning. She dropped her weight from 190 pounds to 170 in preparation for her new, larger role. Coleman has started all of SU's 26 games this year, the only Orangewoman to do so besides point guard Julie McBride.
"To get in that position in the beginning of the season, you have to work and earn it," Coleman said. "This preseason, I was in way better shape than I was my freshman year. That helps a lot. Your freshman year, everything's new. Coming back your second year, you kind of realize how things operate."
As she's figured out Division I basketball, Coleman has been transferred from the bench to the 3-point arc. Ranking fourth in the Big East with a 36.9 3-point percentage, Coleman has gained confidence to shoot in any situation.
