Overview
From Cleveland, Ohio, Freeman played prep basketball at St. Martin de Porres High School and had to walk on at Akron after not drawing much collegiate interest. As a Zip, Freeman stacked up awards quickly. He was a four-time MAC All-Defensive team member, two-time First-Team All-MAC member, two-time MAC Tournament MVP (2022, 2024) and won 2022 MAC Defensive Player of the Year. Freeman led the NCAA in rebounds during the 2023-24 season en route to being named the MAC Player of the Year and was an AP All-American honorable mention. During his final collegiate season, Freeman averaged 18.6 points, 12.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.7 blocks and 0.8 steals in 32.4 minutes per game across 35 appearances (all starts). He finished with 58.4/37.0/72.8 shooting splits, showcasing a well-rounded and efficient offensive game.
Analysis
At 6-foot-7, Freeman will be an undersized frontcourt player in the NBA but has elite defensive traits that should intrigue evaluators. He’s got great footwork in the post and loves to go right before countering with a nice up-and-under move. However, he’ll likely have to settle for a roller/cutter role and rely on increased activity to get bucks at the professional level. Freeman improved his jumper throughout college but needs to take more steps in that department to be an NBA role player.
Projection
At 24 years old, Freeman isn’t the ideal draft prospect, but he has flashes of Draymond Green and Herbert Jones, who are both perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidates. Kevin Knox and Obi Toppin were both young, multi-talented prospects selected in the lottery, and other than age, Freeman shares similar qualities to both. Knox struggled mightily to stick in the NBA, while Toppin needed a change of scenery to find his role. Freeman’s chances of being an NBA role player likely depend on where he ends up.
— Profile by RotoWire