Senior Day Serendipity

Saturday is Jared Dudley’s last game at Conte. It will cap a special career that could have been very different…

Senior Day: Dan Coleman

Saturday marks the end of Dan Coleman’s career. While he never achieved the same level of success of fellow Minnesotan Troy Bell, Coleman produced four solid seasons with a few highs and lows.

Freshman Year. Coleman’s first year was his toughest. After spending his summer on campus, he left Boston for Minnesota weeks before school started. Despite his homesickness, Dan and his family made the decision to honor his commitment to BC and came back to school before basketball started. It took him a while to work his way out of Skinner’s doghouse. Eventually Coleman became a valuable reserve averaging 6 points and 3 rebounds a game. BC fell short of the NCAA tournament, but made a nice run in the NIT.

Sophomore Year. After breaking into the starting lineup for the first time, Coleman and BC got off to a great start…until the Villanova game. BC clawed back at Conte, hoping to extend its perfect start. ‘Nova fouled Coleman with five seconds left. Down 65-66, Coleman could have won the game for BC. Instead he missed both. BC lost and struggled down the stretch of its final season in the Big East. A bubble team, Coleman and BC got the invite and easily won its opener. They faced Cinderella San Diego State in the second round and appeared headed for Skinner’s first Sweet 16. However, San Diego State star Jared Dudley (who prepped at Maine Central) lit up the Eagles for 30 ending BC’s march early.

Junior Year. Coleman proved the perfect wingman to Craig Smith in BC’s first ACC season. The Eagles played surprisingly well and Coleman averaged 12 points and 6 rebounds a game. Unfortunately, BC’s season ended at the hands of another Cinderella, this time Pacific. In the final minute of OT, Coleman’s 3 attempt rattled in and out of the hoop.

Senior Year. With the departure of Craig Smith and the expulsion of Sean Williams, Coleman and fellow Senior Sean Marshall carried the team but ultimately fell short of fans expectations. Heading into Coleman’s final game at Conte, BC stands at 6-8 in ACC play and is unlikely to make the Tournament.


No one will ever know how Coleman would have played here, but I believe someone was looking out for BC and Jared during the summer of 2003. Regardless of how this season ends, Dudley’s career was special and he was a pleasure to watch. Fans should enjoy this last game for this great kid (and please send along any pics). Thank you, Jared.