NCAA Basketball: Georgia Tech, Ole Miss and TTU among finalists for Deebo Coleman
Top-50 NCAA Basketball prospect Deebo Coleman is now down to just three options. Which of them is the best fit for the shooting guard?
Dallan “Deebo” Coleman is a consensus top-50 NCAA Basketball prospect in the 2021 recruiting class. Over a month ago, the 6’6 shooting guard had a list of 11 contenders for his services, including some big names such as Auburn, Memphis, Louisville, and Virginia.
In the end though, none of those teams made the cut. It’s down to just three for Coleman; Georgia Tech, Mississippi, and Texas Tech. It’s an interesting group of teams for the four-star recruit, who each have their own selling points to try and land him. Here’s a closer look at his potential fit with all three.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The Yellow Jackets are hoping to pair Coleman with Miles Kelly, a 6’5 combo guard and four-star commit who picked the program this summer. With Jose Alvarado graduating and Mike Devoe potentially leaving after this season, there’s plenty of immediate playing time for the future freshman.
Georgia Tech’s situation isn’t completely clear, as head coach Josh Pastner is rumored to be on the hot seat if things don’t go well (make the NCAA Tournament). A potential coaching change isn’t ideal, considering how the roster turmoil may turn out next offseason. But near guaranteed playing time compared to the other two on the list could keep his program in the conversation.
Ole Miss Rebels
Mississippi already has plenty of backcourt depth for the foreseeable future, including top-40 shooting guard freshman Matthew Murrell, along with top-30 guard commit Daeshun Ruffin, along with top-100 off-guard James White. Coleman would still be able to find a role as a freshman but that would depend in part if Murrell goes pro after a big freshman season.
The Rebels are building an impressive roster, using both top-100 talent and the transfer portal. If things go well, Coleman could be joining a steady top-half team in the SEC, ready to consistently compete for NCAA Tournament bids. That would make them even more appealing for Coleman and other future recruits.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
With no senior guards on the roster, the odds of immediate playing for Coleman as a freshman is slim. It would depend on Georgetown transfer Mac McClung being around for just one year as expected, as well as five-star incoming freshman Nimari Burnett. A big campaign out of Kyler Edwards could see him going pro as well, which would allow the crowded backcourt the smooth out.
Considering the trajectory of the Red Raiders program, it may be worth it for Coleman to wait a while before playing and developing into a potential NBA Draft pick. But considering how the team has been active on the transfer portal, the shooting guard’s path to a rotation spot certainly is harder than the other two options.
Next. Top 25 frontcourts for 2020-21. dark
According to 247sports “Crystal Ball”, Ole Miss is currently viewed as the favorite to land Deebo Coleman. And it makes sense when you balance out potential playing time and program stability for the future. I certainly wouldn’t count out Texas Tech in the battle but if the trends continue, look for the SEC to land another top-50 recruit… this time not from Kentucky.