Adam Coleman has been the head coach of the Sulphur High School boys basketball team for four years now. In that time, he has managed to propel them to their current status as the number one ranked boys basketball team in Louisiana at the time this article was written.

We caught up with Coach Coleman to find out more about his basketball coaching journey and what he's doing to make Tor basketball a winning tradition again. He gave us some insight into how Sulphur has gotten to where it is today.

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Coach Adam Coleman is a highly respected coach among the Louisiana High School basketball circuit, as well as within Sulphur High School. His ability to drive and motivate his players to perform above their expectations has earned him the respect of many in Louisiana.

Coach Adam Coleman is a firm believer that hard work and dedication are key ingredients to any successful basketball program, and expects nothing less from his team. He works tirelessly with each individual player on specific skills needed to succeed both on and off the court.

Interview

Why basketball?

I love competition and I’ve coached other sports, but I have always looked up to and tried to emulate my older brother who is a State Champion basketball coach. I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach with him for a few years after he left the college ranks of coaching and got into coaching high school basketball.

I also enjoy the fast pace and energy that basketball creates. My first head coaching job was actually a baseball job at Hamilton Christian Academy where I was fortunate to coach some really good players including current MLB player Jace Peterson.

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What is your philosophy of coaching?

The basis of our coaching philosophy centers around building men of character. We want to use this game that we enjoy to teach and develop life lessons. It’s always bigger than basketball.

Basketball specific philosophy offensively is to teach and develop the skills and decision making that allows our players to go out on the floor in a game and play with freedom and confidence.

Defensively we play a total team defense concept. Five guys ahead of the ball, all responsible for stopping the ball and keeping it out of the paint. We want to force contested perimeter shots and limit teams to one shot only by being physical with block outs and urgently pursuing the rebound.

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What adversities have you faced as a coach? How do you deal with them?

We have taken over programs that in previous years had not won very many games. Creating a winning mindset requires a relentless energy that sometimes is met with resistance. Focusing on those young men that we have been entrusted to lead, keeps us resilient through any adversity.

It has been very rewarding to restore the tradition that comes along with being a part of Tornado basketball. We have upgraded the player facilities, the gym, uniforms, etc... that helps restore the pride in our program.

In just three years time, we have eclipsed a 20 win season and have had back to back playoff appearances. With each senior class, they are leaving behind a legacy and higher standard to achieve.

How do you deal with discipline issues and repeat offenses?

In our program, we do not have rules. We have a standard that we as a team hold each other accountable to. We do not have repeat offenders. If it is habitual, then it is determined that you are not willing to uphold our standard and cannot be a part of what we are doing.

This does not mean we give up on that young man. We continue to mentor and help them, just not as a part of our team. Sometimes that wake up call is exactly what they need.

What would you teach your players besides basketball? How would you do this?

We teach our guys how to tie a necktie. How to shake another man’s hand, etc... When they walk into an interview, we want them to be comfortable and confident in how they handle themselves.

How do you coach an athlete who is struggling to improve?

We are always willing to spend the extra time with our guys. Whether it is putting in extra reps to gain confidence, or having meetings away from the court to address issues that may be distracting their focus.

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Teaching them to embrace what they are good at and to accept that role is key. We do our best to acknowledge the value that every team member contributes.

How do you improve an underperforming team?

Stay the course. There is no secret to success. Hard work and a clear mind to execute the training we have put in.

How do you keep players motivated and group morale high?

Knowing each player's personal level helps. We meet with players each week during lunch to find out what’s going on in their lives. This provides great details and information that allows us to coach the individual.

Conclusion

Coaching is a highly rewarding profession that offers the opportunity to be impactful in the lives of many. It requires hard work, dedication, and the ability to relate to players from all walks of life. By utilizing these philosophies, coach Coleman can ensure his team is successful both on and off the court. With an emphasis on building character and teaching life lessons, coach Adam can create lasting relationships with his athletes while also ensuring they reach their full potential as players.

By setting clear expectations, providing consistent feedback, and focusing on mutual respect between coach and player, a strong foundation for success is established. Coach Adam embodies these values and will create lasting impressions on those he has mentored along his coaching career.