E. C. Coleman

E.C. Coleman Jr. (born September 25, 1950) is an American former professional basketball player. He played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1973 to 1978 and was considered as one of the league's premier defensive forwards during his career. Coleman played college basketball for the Houston Baptist Huskies and was selected by the Houston Rockets in the 1973 NBA draft. He was chosen in the 1974 NBA expansion draft by the New Orleans Jazz where he gained prominence for his defensive abilities and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 1977. Coleman played for the Golden State Warriors during the 1977–78 season and earned a nomination to the All-Defensive Second Team. He finished his playing career with the Rockets in 1978.

Early life Coleman was raised in Flora, Mississippi. Coleman was given his father's initials because his mother did not want to name him Efram III. He would labor 12 hours a day to help his parents who worked as sharecroppers until he was eligible for junior high school. He led the team in rebounds all four seasons he played and led in scoring for three seasons. The Huskies' most valuable player award is named after him.

On October 3, 1977, Coleman signed with the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors attempted to trade Coleman but were unable to make a deal and waived him on November 2, 1978.

On November 9, 1978, Coleman signed with the Rockets to return for a second stint. His playing time was limited due to the Rockets having four other forwards on their roster. On December 24, Coleman was waived by the Rockets. On December 29, Coleman returned to the Rockets as an assistant coach with the responsibility of scouting colleges. He discovered Allen Leavell when he attended a game at Houston Baptist to receive an honor and Leavell was on the opposing team. Coleman was not retained for the 1979–80 season.

Post-playing career After his playing career ended, Coleman worked as a doorman for the Four Seasons Hotel. In a 1984 interview, he said, "I never felt I had to take any steps down after basketball because I hadn't taken that many steps up."

Player profile Coleman was regarded as one of the premier defensive forwards in the NBA during his career.

Rick Barry claimed "no other player in the league gives me as much trouble as E.C." Butch van Breda Kolff called Coleman "one of the more underrated players in our league."

Personal life Coleman's younger brother, Mack, was his teammate on the Houston Baptist Huskies and was selected by the Jazz in the 1975 NBA draft. Mack died in 1977. Another of Coleman's brothers also died in 1977 and his mother died in 1978; their deaths "destroyed his concentration."

Career statistics

NBA Source

Regular season Year Team GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG