Gerard Coleman leaving Gonzaga
Gerard Coleman, a Providence transfer who played last season at Gonzaga, is transferring elsewhere for his senior season, Bulldogs coach Mark Few said.
Coleman’s playing time diminished as the season progressed. The 6-foot-4 wing scored in double figures in five of GU’s first nine games, including a season-high 21 points in a home win over New Mexico State. He reached double figures just once in his last 16 appearances.
Coleman, a Boston native who finished up final exams last week, likely will transfer to a school closer to his hometown. It’s not clear if Coleman will be able to continue at the Division I level. He’s expected to seek a waiver to be eligible immediately because of health concerns with a close relative. He would be eligible immediately if he transfers to a Division II or NAIA school.
“We’re going to do everything we can to try to help him,” Few said. “It just wasn’t working here.”
Coleman averaged 11.9 minutes, 6 points and 1.6 rebounds in 34 appearances. In WCC games, he dropped to 11.7 minutes and 4.6 points. He played in two of GU’s three WCC Tournament games, averaging 8.5 minutes. Coleman scored six points in 10 minutes in two NCAA tournament games.
Coleman arrived at Gonzaga after putting up solid numbers in his first two seasons at Providence. He averaged 10.3 points and 3.1 rebounds as a freshman and 13.2 points and 5 rebounds as a sophomore in the Big East.
After sitting out one season under NCAA transfer rules, many thought Coleman would bid for a starting spot at ‘3’ for the Bulldogs. Gonzaga went with a smaller starting lineup with guards Kevin Pangos, Gary Bell Jr., and David Stockton.
When Bell was sidelined with a broken hand, sophomore Kyle Dranginis stepped into the starting lineup and performed well. Bell eventually returned to the starting five but Dranginis continued to see extended minutes and finished at 23.9 per game, trailing only the five starters.
Gonzaga has several options at the ‘3’, including Dranginis and possibly incoming recruits Silas Melson and Bryan Alberts. The Zags could go bigger at ‘3’ at times with 6-10 Domantas Sabonis or 6-8 Angel Nunez.
Former USC wing Byron Wesley, who led the Trojans at 17.8 points and 6.4 rebounds, visited Gonzaga over the weekend and is reportedly deciding between Gonzaga, Oklahoma State and Pittsburgh. The 6-5 Wesley is expected to be eligible immediately for his senior season.