GREENSOBORO,  North Carolina A&T men’s basketball coach Jerry Eaves preaches “it’s not who starts, it’s who finishes the game.” Eaves’ philosophy became evident when star guard Steven Rush earned first-team All-MEAC honors as a reserve.

Eaves’ philosophy rang true again on Monday when reserve center Thomas Coleman became the second freshman during Eaves’ five-year era to earn MEAC Rookie of the Week honors. Coleman, a 6-foot-9 Louisville, Ky., native, averaged 8.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks last week in games against Tennessee and Norfolk State.

“Thomas certainly has a promising future here at A&T,’’ said Eaves. “He’s the best shot blocker we’ve had in my time here. He can finish around the basket, and he is a huge asset for us on the glass. I think he is going to earn a lot of honors before his time is up.”

Coleman is third in the MEAC in blocks, averaging 1.6 blocks per game. He is also averaging 6.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Coleman has hit 65.5 percent of his shots from the field, while averaging 17.9 minutes per game. In N.C. A&T’s loss to Norfolk State on Saturday, Coleman had 12 points, nine rebounds and two blocks.