🏀 Both Coleman and Kessens Are Transferring

[bama alum]

Didn't see or hear a reason for Kessens' departure. Bye...

But Coleman...He tweeted that he and Coach Johnson said this was best for him. Hmm...Aiight.

Alabama point guard Coleman to transfer


Alabama point guard Coleman to transfer
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Photo by Kelly Price

Justin Coleman


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By Alex Byington Sports Writer | Updated 42 minutes ago

TUSCALOOSA — With little likelihood of a starting spot next season, Alabama sophomore point guard Justin Coleman has elected to transfer.

Coleman, who started seven games in the 2015-16 season before seeing his role reduced to that of a sixth-man off the bench, announced on social media that he'd be finding another place to play basketball next season.

"First off I wanna thank God, the University of Alabama, fans and coaches. But Coach (Avery) Johnson and I have decided it was best to transfer," Coleman tweeted this afternoon.

With talented freshman Dazon Ingram expected to be the starting point guard moving forward, once he returns from midseason foot surgery, Coleman was once again believed to be a bench player next season.

Crimson Tide head coach Avery Johnson, who was not immediately available for comment, has been complimentary of Coleman's shooting ability, even through he had the lowest 3-point field goal percentage among the players with at least 50 attempted 3-pointers at .272 (40-of-147.)

Coleman appeared in all 33 games in 2015-16, averaging 7.8 points and 26.2 minutes per game, and led the team with 110 assists and a .890 free-throw shooting percentage.

alex.byington@TimesDaily.com or alex.byington@decaturdaily.com. Twitter @abyingtonTD.

 

[BamaFan334]

Kessens was too soft to be a big man. Hate to be mean, but never felt really confident with our offense when Coleman was in, felt like he was never a threat to score. Wish them both the best and thank them for their time at Alabama.

 

[bamabigdawg]

I was already dreading having to watch Kessens play another season in tuscaloosa so thank you for that one....and Coleman with the exception of a game here or there hes not a good enough shooter and turns the ball over too much. Not terribly sorry about either one

 

[UAgrad93]

Coleman was inconsistent at best and Kessens was a missing link period. No real loss.

 

[psychojoe]

Kessens never lived up to the expectations. I wish him well, but I am not sad that he is leaving.

Coleman is another matter. He was a big help at times, but with Ingram healthy and A. J. Jr. worthy of PT as well, it is not clear where his minutes were coming from. Although he is very quick, his slim stature limited what he could do on offense, as well as who he could match up with on defense. I hope that he ends up somewhere that is a very good fit for him.

That makes the late signing period much more interesting. Now we have three open slots. We can definitely use an underclassman who is an inside player, as Hale and Taylor will both be seniors. I would guess that the other two would be wings, although a combo guard is a possibility.

 

[UAgrad93]

Both of these guys more or less summed up the tenure of Anthony Grant. Kessens seemed like a project that never really panned out. Coleman was a in state product that was made a priority in an attempt to save his job. Problem was, Coleman was more of a liability on the defensive end due to his slight stature.

 

[#80]

Happy I don't have to watch Kessens next year. Coleman surprises me. Oh well up to CAJ to make it work.

 

[TheChief]

I still think there's a chance one more is gone... just not yet. My wife and I were talking just the other day and wondering why a couple of the guys weren't gone by now (Coleman wasn't one of them). She said, "If Avery's all you think he is, it will probably happen."

I really, really like Coleman. I have to pull for a guy like him. Hate it, hate it he's gone. But, the realist in me says this team can't win big with him. I don't think AJ came to Tuscaloosa to win a little bit.

 

[alabama mike]

Coleman would have trouble getting minutes next season IMO. AJ Jr. and the kid that was injured (his name escapes me at the present) will man the point.

Kessens only averaged about 3-4 points and rebounds if my memory is correct. Look for CAJ to bring in a power forward or center that can play immediately. USA Today or Bleacher Report has a listing today of transfers that can play due to graduation.