Joe Coleman on the rise

Last year, Joe Coleman got a taste of what it was like to play against older kids when he ran with Minneapolis based Howard Pulley's top group. But, the 6-foot-4 shooting guard didn't always get a chance to show what he could because of some of the guys playing ahead of him. Now, the senior to be from Minnetonka (Minn.) Hopkins is using this spring and summer to show what he's all about.

Really, he doesn't know any other way to approach the game other than playing like he's got to prove himself every time out.

"Growing up with my brother I always seemed to have something to prove. At least, that's the mind set that I have," Coleman told rivals.com. "Last year I played 17's and I played with guys like Harrison Barnes and Jacob Thomas so I didn't get much time to play and show what I could do. I'm just happy to be out there now."

So far this spring, Coleman has been a pleasant surprise and his performances have raised his stock. A big time athlete who can finish at the rim over much bigger defenders, many questioned his jump shot but he's proven to be a good shooter as well.

"I've been able to knock down my shot which is something people have been questioning a lot," said Coleman. "I think I'm able to come out and be aggressive too."

Sure enough, that play has translated into early scholarship offers and interest from programs all across the country.

"I've got offers from Minnesota, Santa Clara and Colorado State," said Coleman. "Some other schools looking at me pretty hard are Texas A&M, USC and Seton Hall."

In no rush to make a decision, Coleman says that he will use the experience his older brother Dan who signed with Boston College before transferring to Minnesota to help guide him.

"Just know that you have to go to a school that are comfortable with," said Coleman of what he learned from his brother. "You just have to go somewhere that you fit in with the school and there's a coaching staff that you like."