The Fighting Illini's top freshman updated his progress and priorities since coming to Champaign.
The Illinois Fighting Illini are a growing Final Four and national championship pick in men's basketball and freshman five-star guard Quentin Coleman is a big reason why.
Coleman hasn't played a game with Illinois yet but has already been named as a projected first round NBA draft pick.
At 6-foot-4, 180 pounds, Coleman has a lot of physical growth and maturity ahead of him but is getting the jump on the process with in offseason runs with coach Brad Underwood's Illini veterans.
On Monday, Coleman spoke to media during which he shared his biggest offseason priority and how things have been so far during his time in Champaign, Ill.
Principia Panthers guard Quentin Coleman(11) is fouled by Wheeler Wildcats guard Kevin Savage III (2) during the fourth quarter of a City of Palms Classic quarterfinal game at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla., on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. A 'Very Smooth' Transition
Coleman said the transition from Principia High School in Saint Louis to college runs in Champaign has been "very smooth" according to an interview with Glenn Kinley.
"I have had a busy summer," Coleman said, adding that he joined the Illini's returning players in June.
"All the returners welcome me in very well, transition was very smooth," he added.
"I learned a lot, and I feel like I've grown a lot throughout these eight weeks."
Coleman Names Priority Number One
Coleman said his biggest priority is meshing with his teammates.
The Illini's chemistry and talent could set them apart in a rough and challenging Big Ten this season.
"Biggest thing I would say is learning everybody's strengths and weaknesses," Coleman said.
"Learning what Andrej (Stojakovic) can do, what David (Mirkovic), Stefan (Vaaks), you know just the whole team can do and not, so just learning everybody's feel and learning off the court, just building that connection so I feel like that's what I learned," Coleman added.
Coleman Could Start in Year One
Coleman starting as a freshman may sound far-fetched at first considering the talent Illinois is bringing back, but there is a precedent and he has plenty of skill to back up that scenario.
Keaton Wagler helped lead Illinois to the Final Four last season and was that team's best player throughout much of the year.
Wagler led Illinois in scoring and was the team's go-to guy despite a skinny physical frame, which happens to be the biggest knock against Coleman.
Coleman won the Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year award during his senior season in St. Louis, another positive sign pointing to a potential starting gig.
The freshman Illini point guard also brings a level of athleticism and shot creation, both for him and his teammates, that coach Underwood's team desperately needs this season.
Expect Coleman in the starting lineup, surrounded by dead eye shooters and supportive teammates, by the time the first game of the regular season rolls around this season.
It very well could be a showcase for what most analysts feel is a first round NBA draft pick waiting to happen.
