'23 Isaiah Coleman is thinking visits, couple schools sticking out

Isaiah Coleman is one of the Eastern Seaboard’s most sought-after prospects in the 2023 class. The 6-foot-5 wing is averaging 17-points per game, playing for Kenny Johnson at Fort Washington (MD) National Christian Academy.

“Don’t let me get to the basket,” Coleman told On3 after a win in Big Shots Prep Nationals. “I am at my best when I am getting downhill. This season though, I am shooting it well. When they clog up the lane, I am making my shot.

“I watch a lot of Jayson Tatum, his swagger, and the way he scores it. Everyone knows I can score, but I am focusing on my playmaking more, facilitating and getting my teammates better.”

With the success he has had, playing against some of high school basketball’s most competitive teams, college coaches have taken notice. Isaiah Coleman spoke exclusively with On3 about which schools he heard from the most frequently and where he wanted to set official visits.

“I am hearing the most from Xavier and NC State right now,” Coleman said. “UConn, Louisville, Miami, and Virginia Tech some too. I took an official visit to Xavier already and then unofficals to Maryland and George Washington. They have all offered me.”

Coleman talks recruitment

NC State: “Coach (Roy) Roberson called me yesterday to talk about the game, how well I played, and how we fought hard. They like how I approach the game how hard I compete. I don’t know much about the program, but I will schedule a visit to get down there soon. I want to see how they play and the energy they have within the program.”

Xavier: “I took an official visit there; that was my first one. My mind was blown. Being around the guys on the team was my favorite part of the visit. When I was in practice, the energy they brought was loud and always clapping. I like all those guys, coach (Travis) Steele, coach Jordan (Brooks). They want me to come in and be a one, play me on the ball. So if I were to go there, I would need to change up my ways a little.”

Maryland: “It is not as big of a place as I thought it was. The hallways around the arena are kind of compact, and everyone has to take turns walking through. It was a good experience, and I went to their practice. Lots of energy, fast-moving, and energy.”

“I am looking to set some official visits in spring, after the season,” Coleman said. “I want to get out and see NC State and UConn. Maybe Marquette and Miami want me to come to visit. I need to talk to them some more; I don’t know much about them right now.”

UConn: “I don’t know a lot about the ins and outs of the UConn program, but I can definitely see myself in a UConn jersey. We talked yesterday, as a matter of fact. They are always sending me little articles about them, and graphics and everything.”

Coleman’s take

“I am going to be looking at the style of play,” Coleman said. “If a school gets up and down and focuses on defense, getting stops, that’s it. Relationships always matter. That is why I am looking at Xavier really hard; they have been hitting my line since before I got ranked. NC State coming to watch me texting me about the game meant a lot. Relationships will play a major role in my decision.”

On3’s take

Isaiah Coleman has always been an aggressive and athletic wing. He gets downhill in the half-court and finishes in transition. This season Coleman has taken steps in his pace with the ball. He has developed a pull-up jumper and become a threat, with his feet set, from three-point land. Coleman is an instinctive defender, especially in the passing lanes. While he is not an alpha player, his role as a complementary guy leads to wins at the highest level. Coleman still needs to iron out the form in his jump shot, but he consistently scores it and continues adding to his game.