TO THE EDITOR:
Four years ago, doctors told Justin Coleman his basketball career was over. Now, with support from surgical steel implants, he has earned a spot on Blue Steel, for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.
In May of 2010, Coleman fractured his spine during a club basketball game in Raleigh. While floating toward the rim on a breakaway dunk, he collided with a defender, who sent him headfirst into the gym wall. The impact cracked three of his vertebrae, leaving Justin motionless and numb.
Although many similar injuries result in paralysis, surgeons were able to repair his spine with ten screws and two steel plates. Enduring painful rehabilitation, Coleman gradually retained motor function, and only seven months after surgery, doctors cleared him to play his senior season at Broughton High School. Despite limited exposure to recruiting, Coleman received offers to play for several Division II programs.
Ultimately, he decided against Division II basketball to pursue an education at UNC-Chapel Hill. He chose UNC because of Kenan-Flagler Business School. However, joining the JV squad was always part of the plan. Last year, he averaged 9.4 points per game and led the team with an average of 6.4 rebounds per game.
This year, he will make the Tar Heels better during practice, in the huddle and maybe in a few one-sided games.
Plus, I’m sure ”J. Cole” will bring his wise perspective to the locker room. Although fiercely competitive on the court, he never loses his friendly nature and unique brand of optimism.
James Waugh
Senior
