Photo Credit: Texas Basketball
Texas was one of many bubble teams that missed the Big Dance, but this has influenced them to go on a deep run in the Postseason NIT. For sophomore guard Matt Coleman III a deep postseason NIT run meant a trip back to the place where he led his his high school to a national championship three years ago.
In 2016, Coleman led Oak Hill Academy to the Dicks nationals(now called Geico Nationals) championship at Madison Square Garden. Being back at Madison Square Garden brought back memories for him. “It was my junior year when we won Dick’s nationals championship it was a great experience. As a matter of fact, we were in this same locker. Like you said it’s crazy how life comes in full circle”.
Even though It’s not the NCAA tournament, Coleman seen winning the NIT championship as something to build on for next season.
“It feels great, playing for the championship you get to play for something, we get to live another day. So it’s great to hopefully end our season with a win”. On Thursday April 4th, Coleman did just that, Coleman was one of four players in double figures as Texas blew past Lipscomb 81-66 to win the 2019 Postseason NIT championship. It was the perfect ending to a season that had many ups and downs.
“ With this imperfect season we had, its great to get something good out of it. The seniors , they can end their last game of their career with a win, for coach after everything he’s been through and everything he has been taking the fault for just to win a championship will be great, a championship is a championship and even though its not March Madness the NIT is just as big. For us winning this championship will be a stepping stone for our program especially with the freshman class we have coming in” Coleman Added
With his sophomore season behind him the next step is improving for a pivotal junior year. Coleman already has some things in mind. “One thing I can improve on for next season is to just be consistent, on the offensive end. Making better shots, making the right plays, improving my decision making just being a better point guard”. Next season Texas could possibly be one of the top teams in the nation and Matt Coleman will be one of the players leading them.
Hoop Dreams NYC 