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For DC, It's Just Home Sweet Home By Jeff Wilson
“I love being home, seeing my family. It is just me being me,” Coleman said. “They don’t bother me, ask me dumb questions. When I am just at home, I am Derrick, and that is it. It is nice being around people that love you for just being you, for no other reason than that.” One thing is for certain, there's nothing like home cooking. DC’s mom put out a feast for her son and teammate Tyrone Hill the night before Game 2 that included fried turkey, greens, cabbage, and red beans and rice. Coleman was born in Mobile, Alabama, and lived there with his grandmother before moving to Detroit. It was there that he began developing into a talented basketball player. At Northern High School, he played against the likes of San Antonio Spurs guard Steve Smith and former Piston Terry Mills. One of the top high school recruits in the nation, Coleman was named a McDonald’s All-American in 1986. In his freshman season at Syracuse, the left-hander led the team to a Final Four berth. Coleman exited as the Orangemen’s all-time leading career scorer (2,143 points) and the NCAA career rebounding champion (1,537 rebounds). The No. 1 overall pick of the 1990 NBA Draft, Coleman earned Rookie of the Year honors with the Nets. He has enjoyed a productive 13-year professional career with New Jersey, Charlotte and Philadelphia. Still, Coleman returns to his roots in Detroit every summer, where he is actively involved in the community. A few years ago, Coleman put down more than $200,000 to restore the playground where he grew up. He conducts many basketball tournaments and clinics, helping area youths develop their skills. More importantly, Coleman, who stayed at Syracuse for all four years of his college eligibility, stresses the importance of an education. He frequently rewards Detroit children who exhibit perfect school attendance and good grades. The focus on these trips to Detroit, though, is all basketball. Coleman will have plenty of opportunities to catch up on old times after the season ends. In the first two games of the series, Coleman combined for 33 points and 21 rebounds in front of his “home crowd” that included his mother and aunt. “I love having my family at the games, I just hope we come out ... and give them something to cheer about.” Coleman gave out 14 tickets for his mom, aunt, little cousins and friends for Game 2. “They all want to come to the game to meet AI. You would think they would want to see me, but no, they want to see AI,” Coleman said. |
Coleman enjoys playing in Detroit in front of friends and family.