Dominique Coleman says he has found a home away from home after becoming part of the Cheshire Phoenix ‘family’.
The Nix forward, who studied and played at the University of West Alabama before graduating from Francis Marion College two years ago, has been one of coach John Lavery’s most eye catching additions this season and has impressed Nix fans with his on-court performances and solid numbers.
A popular figure among the Nix faithful, Coleman hasn’t ruled out the possibility of extending his stay in Cheshire beyond this season and helping the club build on what has been a successful season so far.
“It's nice the way the organisation is set up,” he said.
“It feels like a close-knit family and the fans are great. The way everything comes together around the club is really nice to see.
“And as of right now, me and the club are talking about future plans, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens.”
The 6ft 4ins shooter, who hails from Atlanta, Georgia, has been a regular in the starting five for the Nix this season and has played a key role in their resurgence in recent months.
“Overall, I'm happy with my performances since I’ve been here but that doesn't mean I haven't felt disappointed with myself at times. But that's a part of it,” said Coleman, who high-scored against the Birmingham Knights on Sunday with 27 points.
“I would say the real turning point was our home victory against Newcastle, Donatas' (Visockis) first game. “As we were playing we could just tell that things were right with the team.”
After securing a fifth-placed BBL finish, Coleman says the Nix will be happy to play the underdog when they face the Leicester Riders in the BBL play-offs later this month.
The Nix win over the Knights on Sunday set up a home first leg date with the Riders on Friday, April 25.
With the Riders sitting in fourth and having beaten the Nix in three of their four BBL encounters this season, they will be slight favourites for the contest.
However, Coleman, who joined the Nix back in August from Texas side Twin City United, believes that could work in his side’s favour.
He said: “I would rather have Leicester be overly confident and overlook us than us be overly confident and think we will just beat them and advance, as if it will be that easy.
“We’ll be just taking each play-off game as it comes, one game at a time.”
The Nix wrap up their BBL regular season campaign at the Durham Wildcats on Sunday (4pm).
