Waubonsie Valley's Tyreek Coleman was the breakout star of the 2023-24 junior class, leading the Warriors to a 27-3 record and earning DuPage Valley Conference Player of the Year honors and a spot on the Sun-Times All-Area team.
The 6-foot-2 point guard went from unknown in scouting circles to a coveted recruit at mid-major universities in a matter of months. But an unofficial visit to Illinois State in June and his official visit last weekend were enough for Coleman to cancel all future visits.
Coleman, who had an extra Missouri Valley Conference college offer, committed to coach Ryan Pedone and is headed to Illinois State. He is the highest-ranked in-state prospect to commit to Illinois State in recent years.
Coleman, who was scheduled to visit the University of Northern Iowa and Colorado State University in the coming weeks, said he had no plans to commit after his official visit to Iowa State over the weekend, but after his experience on campus he said he saw no reason to waste anyone's time.
“This was my top choice and I knew this was the place for me,” Coleman said of Illinois State, “but at the same time, I wanted to compare it to other places. But this was one of those places that I felt was right and I didn't want to waste my time and while I was at it, someone else ended up enrolling here instead of me. I didn't want it to be a 'worst case' moment and have to go back to another school just because that was the only option I had left. I knew this was the right place.”
What stood out to Coleman was the “consistency” he saw from Pedone and his staff during the recruiting process. He said the ISU staff didn't miss a game in June or July. But even as they evaluated him as a player, they took the time to “get to know the kid,” something Coleman appreciated.
“They made it a goal to get to know me on a personal level, like my personality and the people I'm around in my life. I appreciated and enjoyed that part,” Coleman said. “They didn't whitewash anything, but they always showed truth and honesty and humility. It was easy for me to see their personalities and the kind of people they are.”
Current Illinois State players also influenced Coleman's decision to enroll, and he said meeting players during his official visit was not only important but impactful.
“The players responded really well to us and we talked to them and got their input on why they chose Illinois State, why they like Illinois State, what they thought of the coaching staff,” Coleman said. “I felt a connection there and that really helped me make my decision.”
Coleman is an impact player in many areas. He combines explosiveness and playmaking in the backcourt to make an impact on the stat sheet. He averaged 14.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game last season and is leading a highly ranked Warriors team this season.
Coleman is ranked as the No. 6 prospect in the state in the 2025 class by City/Suburban Hoops Report.
