Coleman recorded 10 blocks last week

 GREENSBORO, December 23, 2008 – Thomas Coleman sheer presence may be enough for the North Carolina men’s basketball team to accomplish its goals this season.

That’s because Coleman’s mere presence in the paint on defensive usually means blocked and altered shots. Last week, Coleman blocked 10 shots in two games to earn the MEAC’s Defensive Player of the Week honor for the first time in his career.

Eight of Coleman’s blocks last week came against Tulane. It marked the seventh time in his career he has recorded four or more blocks in a game.

“He is going to be a tremendous factor for us in the conference,’’ said head coach Jerry Eaves. “He has those long arms and he has great timing. He has all the tools that makes a person a good shot blocker. He can go scoreless in a game and still have a tremendous impact.”

In just 42 games as an Aggie, Coleman already has 84 blocks, which puts on pace to shatter the record of 165 career blocks set by Jimmy Humphries.