Breaking new ground: Rico Coleman decides to join Arkansas State-Newport

CHARLESTON, Mo. — Amidst the bright light and big names of the college basketball world, Rico Coleman has chosen a different path.

By signing on with Arkansas State University-Newport, a school with no athletic history to speak of, the Charleston star is venturing into uncharted territory.

“I chose this place to continue my journey because of how well I and coach Logan Nutt connected,” Coleman said. “It’s close to home and people from home can come to watch my games. Also, my new teammates were calling me every day to make sure I was straight so I built a bond with them quickly.”

Thomas Murray, Roylandus Wiley, Rico Coleman, A'Jahnoah Wells and Dentrez Ewing stand for a photo with the 2022 MSHSAA Class 3 Championship Trophy on Friday, March 11, at JQH Arena in Springfield, Mo. STANDARD-DEMOCRAT/Dennis Marshall

With a coach still finding his footing and a roster full of untested talent, Coleman and his teammates face an uphill battle. But for the young shooting guard, the opportunity to build something from scratch was too enticing to resist. As he blazes a new trail, Coleman is reminded that sometimes, the greatest reward comes from taking the road less traveled.

Coleman cited the chance to play for a new program as a key factor in his decision to sign with ASU-Newport. According to Coleman, he saw the opportunity to get used to college basketball while also securing plenty of playing time.

His willingness to embrace an untested program shows a bold and adventurous spirit, and it will be fascinating to see how he and his teammates fare in this new venture.

Charleston's Rico Coleman drives past Sikeston's Cleo Taylor in the SEMO Conference Tournament Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, at the Sikeston Field House. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat)

For Coleman, college is just the beginning of a journey he hopes will eventually lead him to the highest level of the sport.

“My expectation coming into college ball is don’t back down from anybody,” he said. “To work hard to do things other players wouldn’t want to do, be a leader for my team and hopefully, I could be going into a Division 1 program in a year or two.”

Coleman helped lead Charleston to the 2021 MSHSAA Class 3 State Championship. He’s also been a finalist for the Semoball Male Basketball Athlete of the Year and selected all-state by the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association the past three seasons. He averaged 15.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.2 steals and 0.9 blocks per game this past season.

Rico Coleman goes for a one-handed jam during Charleston's 74-61 win over Bishop DuBourg in a Class 3 quarterfinal at the Farmington Community Civic Center on Saturday, March 5. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

While Coleman’s performance on the court has been impressive, it’s important to remember that he’s faced challenges off the court as well. He lost his mother when he was just a child. Despite the difficulties he faced, Coleman has overcome the obstacles in his life and used his experience to motivate himself both on and off the court.

“That’s the biggest challenge I can say I faced as a basketball player,” he said. “Losing my mom at a young age and her never getting to see me play in a basketball game was very hard for me but my aunt Danielle, aunt Neka and auntie TT were there and treated me like their own so I never felt alone.”

As Coleman reflects on the support system that helped him through the loss of his mother, he also acknowledges the individuals who have served as his role models. Specifically, former Bluejays’ standouts Demarcus Sharp and Delfincko Bogan and Jamarcus Williams have played a significant role in his life, providing him with guidance and motivation.

Charleston's Rico Coleman (43) goes for a layup during a 77-52 win over NMCC on Tuesday, Jan. 10. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

“Just seeing how successful those guys are/were pushed and inspired me,” he said. “I have learned a lot of things from them not even involving basketball. They helped me become the man I am today and I appreciate them so much. They gave me the pros and cons of everything and always want me to get better. My uncle, grandma and grandpa are always there for me also.”

Sharp, Bogan and Williams all share a common bond with Coleman, as they have each played basketball at a high level in college. The shared experience provides Coleman with a unique resource, as they have all been the same challenges that he is currently facing.

They can provide him with valuable insight and advice on everything from training and practice routines to navigating the college recruitment process. Their firsthand knowledge and personal relationship with Coleman make them ideal role models and mentors for him, providing access to a wealth of expertise to help him achieve his goals.

Rico Coleman finishes a heavily-contested shot at the rim during Charleston's 74-61 win over Bishop DuBourg in a Class 3 quarterfinal at the Farmington Community Civic Center on Saturday, March 5. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

“My community has also supported me very well,” Coleman said. “They always made sure I was doing good. There are a couple of individuals that have been with me since I was little including Brian Caldwell, Mackenzie and DeMonte Farmer, and also Patrick Farmer and Demetrius Murray. I appreciate all of them a lot.”

Reflecting on his own experiences, Coleman has some valuable advice for kids and student-athletes back home.

“The tips I have for you is to work hard and don’t let anybody tell you you can’t do something,” he concluded.

Rico Coleman drives to bucket�during Charleston's state championship win on Friday, March 11, at JQH Arena in Springfield, Mo. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

These words encapsulate the determination and resilience that have defined Coleman’s journey. Despite the challenges he has faced, he has never given up on his dreams and has worked tirelessly to achieve his goals.

As he continues to pursue his passion for basketball, Coleman serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing their own obstacles.

His story is a reminder that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.

Rico Coleman drives to the bucket during Charleston's 56-53 win over Duchesne in a Class 3 semifinal at the 2022 MSHSAA Show-Me Showdown at JQH Arena in Springfield, Mo., on Thursday, March 10. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)