When I sat down with Orlando Coleman, there was no time wasted diving into his extensive career, which spans multiple countries and competitive levels. After graduating college, Coleman entered the 2016 NBA Draft – he didn’t quite make the cut. So instead of letting that setback get to him, he used it as fuel to push himself even harder. “I wasn’t going to let that define me,” he said. Soon after, Coleman took his talents overseas, starting his professional career with the KW Titans in Canada.
From there, his basketball journey became international, taking him across the globe with teams in Mexico, Serbia, New Zealand, Hungary, Israel, France, Greece and Russia. By the summer of 2023, Coleman was playing in Venezuela, and by the fall, he had moved to Iraq, where he’s now signed to Air Defence in Baghdad.
He embraced the diverse styles of play and cultures each country had to offer. “Every country’s basketball has its own flavour,” he shared. “Serbia was physical, France was fast-paced.“
Cultural Influence on the Game and Life.
Coleman is currently leading his team to success; he has the team at the top of the league standings, and he currently leads in points and assists while ranking second in rebounding. Coleman has not only adapted his style of play to fit different leagues but has also allowed these experiences to shape his outlook on life. “I’ve played on different continents, and they’re all different—Europe, South America, the Middle East. I train a lot in the offseason which prepares me to be the versatile player that I am. So I’m prepared for whatever style of play I’m in when arriving in different countries.”
“Experiencing different cultures allows you to see things from other people’s perspectives, traditions, beliefs. So once you’re no longer in a specific environment some things you appreciate more than others.”
Building DreaMentali: More Than a Brand
Off the court, Coleman is equally driven. He founded DreaMentali, a clothing brand aimed at inspiring others through his journey. “I started DreaMentali to be an inspiration to others because I know, growing up, the odds were always stacked up against me. But my dedication to my dream allowed me to overcome trials and tribulations and strive toward my highest potential. The same can be true for you and your journey.”
The brand started as an Instagram page where Coleman shared inspirational quotes during a time when he was sidelined due to injury. Over time, this developed into an established clothing line, with the first official drop in January 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I wasn’t sure if people would be interested in buying clothes during a global pandemic, but I prayed about it, and the response was crazy when I decided to drop.”
DreaMentali hit six figures in its first year. Now 5 years later Coleman has been dropping constantly – his next drop is looking fire – Deion Limitless T Shirts, Flared joggers, Sweet Dreams Shirts and more!
Coleman stays humble, sharing, “For me, it’s not about fashion. It’s about spreading a positive message and celebrating everyone’s journey.“
BAMA Pro RUNS and Birmingham Open Runs
In 2021 Coleman founded BAMA Pro Runs which has quickly become a high-level competitive platform for pro athletes gearing up for their upcoming seasons. Every week, some of the best players in the States and surrounding travel to Birmingham, AL, to sharpen their skills and compete alongside top-tier talent. Well-known players, including NBA athletes like Eric Bledsoe, KJ Mcdaniels, JD Davidson, Trendon Watford, Herb Jones, Donta Hall, Kira Lewis, John Petty, Levi Randolph, Trevor Lacey, Tre Jemison, Emanuel Terry, ED Daniel, Jeff Garrett, Alex Reese, Ricky Tarrant, Lewis Sullivan, Monyea Pratt, Jimmie Taylor, Jordan Swing, Christian Mekowulu, Dirk Williams, Roquez Johnson, Wendell Lewis, Javonte Douglas, Walter Sharpe and many more elite college and highschool athletes have participated in these runs. For Coleman, these sessions are more than just practice; they’re about pushing limits and connecting with others who share his passion for the game.
Birmingham Open Runs, which he founded in 2024, has taken on a similar community-building focus. These runs provide a space for athletes to come together simply for the love of the game. Both BAMA Pro Runs and Birmingham Open Run are tied in with the brand’s mission to inspire and uplift, powered by Coleman’s belief in the power of community through sport.
“Both runs are ran by me. Powered through the brand.”
Friendship, The Duo
A big influence on Coleman’s life and career has been his long-time best friend, Ricky Tarrant. “Ricky is like a brother to me, and he supports everything I do.” His own basketball career has been impressive, too, from college success at Tulane and Memphis to nine years as a pro.
Training with Legends
During our conversation, Coleman reflected on his experience training at John Lucas Enterprises, arguably one of the best training organisations founded by NBA legend John Lucas. “The first time I came to train, I was expecting to just go into a normal workout. John Lucas told me, ‘You’re guarding Justin Jackson all practice.’ I understood that I had to prove myself. I’ve been proving myself my entire life, so I thought, okay, bet!” Coleman guarded Jackson during the workout and explained how he held his own:
“I’m guarding him, he scores one time in an hour workout. I’m evenin’ him up, I’m buyin him, I kill him all defence.”
Coleman’s dedication earned him respect from Lucas, securing a spot in his regular training regimen and sharpening his readiness for the upcoming season with Texas Southern University. However, at Texas southern Coleman was limited and wanted more. “My role there was to play defence and shoot threes, but that wasn’t my game. I’m a three-level scorer—I can shoot, I can get to the cup, I’m an athlete, I can do everything.
Future Prospects
Orlando Coleman’s future prospects in basketball could see him expanding the reach and impact of his training camps and programs, bringing his deep knowledge and experience to a broader audience. As he continues to grow as a player, Coleman might explore new ways to refine and scale his initiatives, potentially developing specialised training methodologies for young athletes worldwide.
Defining His Legacy
Toward the end of our conversation, I asked Coleman how he views himself as a player. His answer was simple but powerful: “I’m passionate, I’m outspoken, and I play with heart.” Coleman’s dedication isn’t limited to basketball but is evident in everything he does.
When reflecting on his legacy, he shared – “I feel that is still being written and for others to discuss. I just want to make a positive impact on others through my journey and experiences, helping them realise that with consistency and a strong mentality, they can achieve their dreams.“
“I’ve been through a lot, but I keep going because I know where I want to be. I pray for everything. That’s just how I keep going, no matter what happens.” Coleman’s journey is far from over, and there’s no doubt we’ll continue hearing much more, both on and off the court.
Coleman’s career and life story reflect resilience, adaptability, and the will to inspire. Whether he’s dominating on the court, building a brand, being a present father, or supporting his community, he remains a shining example of perseverance, proving that success truly comes from the heart.
