4. Derrick Coleman: Syracuse - (1986-1990) Detroit, MI

Four years: 15.0 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.2 bpg, 1.3 spg, 56.8% FG, 68.4% FT.

Rookie of the Year (1987)

Player of the Year (1990)

First Team Consensus All-American (1990)

The 6’10” Coleman was loaded with talent, and was a real star for the Orange and the conference, but unfortunately you can’t help but think that his personality prevented him from being even greater. Coleman was one of those rare big men who not only could score, rebound, and block shots, but also ran the floor like a guard, was a very good passer and ball handler, and could even shoot well from the outside.

As a freshman, Coleman led the Orange to the National Championship game. His missed free throw on a one-and-one with 30 seconds of the game might have cost Syracuse the National Championship, but Coleman did have a freshman record 19 rebounds in the game. During that freshman season, Coleman averaged 11.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, and 1.8 bpg, all while making 56.0% of his shots. His 60.0% from the field in conference games is a Big East best for a freshman. Coleman’s dominance progressed from there. As a sophomore, he raised his averages to 13.5 ppg, 11.0 rpg, 1.6 bpg, and 58.7% from the field. As a junior, Coleman moved to center to replace the departed Rony Seikaly. He responded with 16.9 ppg, 11.4 rpg, 3.4 bpg, and 57.5% from the field. Coleman even displayed his passing skills with 2.9 apg, an excellent number for a center. Amazingly, he had 29 double doubles on the season, second highest in history to the 30 that Jerry West had in his senior season. Finally reaching consensus All-American honors in his senior year, Coleman’s final season featured 17.9 ppg, 12.1 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.0 bpg, and 55.1 % from the field.

For his career, Coleman totaled 2,143 points, an incredible 1,537 rebounds, and 319 blocks. His rebound total is second only to Tim Duncan in the modern era and his incredible 83 double doubles is the 3rd highest of all-time. But Coleman’s achievements don’t stop there. In conference games, Coleman ranks 1st in points, 6th in field goal percentage, 11th in blocks, 12th in made free throws, and 17th in blocks per game.

He was drafted first overall by the New Jersey Nets, and despite a 15 year average of 16.5 ppg and 9.3 rpg, he unfortunately is considered by many as somebody who didn’t get the most out of his talent.