New Year's Resolutions: Eric Coleman, SL Benfica

LISBON (Portugal) - Eric Coleman has already enjoyed plenty of success in Portugal and is now hoping to translate that onto the European stage.

The 34-year-old previously helped Oliveirense to consecutive league titles and is currently averaging 12.4 points per game in FIBA Europe Cup action in his first year at SL Benfica as they target a place in the Quarter-Finals.

Coleman has played all across Europe and his power and precision in the paint have been on full display in this season's competition so far.

We asked Eric to reflect on the past year and share his ambitions for 2020.

What was your top moment from 2019 - firstly, on the court, and then off the court also?

Top on court memory would be winning my second of the back-to-back here in Portugal back in June with a group of guys that the league didn't think could do it. Off the court, it would have to be the reaction of my daughter when I get home and she sees me for the first time.

If you could change one thing that happened, what would it be?

I wish I could have been home in time for her birthday because with the seasons, if you make a deep Play-Off run sometimes you're not able to get home until June or even July.

How do you plan to spend New Year’s Eve and New Year's Day? Are there any traditions over the festive period you have or do you mix it up?

Depending on how much time we get off, I might travel to visit a friend that also plays overseas. Over the years, I've made a lot of friends that also play all over Europe.

I tend to switch things up since I'm a 'fly by the seat of my pants' type person.  This year, my friend who's also from Minnesota is coming to visit me over Christmas - he plays out in Italy. Sometimes I go back to the States, I've also taken solo trips just to have a get away because we don't get much down time during the seasons.

Will you be making any New Year’s Resolutions for 2020? And what do you hope to have achieved when you look back in 12 months' time?

One resolution I'll be making for myself is trying to enjoy the small things. I tend to get caught up in the big goal and end game and overlook the journey and the small but meaningful memories made along that journey.

When I look back in 12 months time hopefully I'm holding up another league championship trophy. Also hopefully we made a great run through the Play-Offs of FIBA Europe Cup. Last but not least, [I'll hope to have] made some more memorable times with my friends and loved ones.

FIBA