Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Men's Basketball signs Vincennes University forward John Freeman
04/22/2009 | 12:00:00 | Men's Basketball
April 22, 2009
By Tom Weber
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Saluki men's basketball coach Chris Lowery turned to the junior college ranks to bolster the team's backcourt. On Wednesday, Lowery announced that Vincennes University small forward John Freeman (6-5, 195, Jr.) has signed a letter of intent to play for Southern Illinois.
Freeman started every game at Vincennes last season and averaged 14.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists. He shot 58 percent from the field and 43 percent from 3-point range. Freeman was also a defensive stalwart, tallying 71 blocked shots on the year. Twice, he had six blocks in a game.
"When you look at his scoring average, it doesn't 'wow' you, but points aren't everything," Lowery said. "He does so many other things to help his team win."
Lowery said Freeman would play the "three" position for the Salukis, but he has the defensive skills to guard a wide range of players. Lowery compared him to forward LaMar Owen (2003-05), who scored nearly 500 points in two seasons at SIU and was a high-energy contributor on both ends of the floor.
"We've been looking for that type of forward since LaMar left," Lowery said. "We're hopeful John can bring some of the same energy."
Freeman becomes just the second junior college player Lowery has signed in five years at SIU -- the other was guard Tyrone Green in 2006. Lowery said the Salukis recruited Freeman several years ago at Arlington H.S. in Indianapolis, Ind., where he was two-time runner-up for city player-of-the-year and first-team all-state.
Freeman is the fifth player to sign with the Salukis during the 2008-09 recruiting cycle. Guards Kendal Brown (Evansville, Ind./ William Henry Harrison H.S.) and Drew Barham (Memphis, Tenn./Christian Brothers H.S.), and forward Jordan Myers (Ferdinand, Ind./ Forest Park H.S.) signed letters of intent last fall. Center Gene Teague (Vineland, N.J./Apex Academy) signed last week. Together, they help offset the loss of graduating seniors Bryan Mullins, Wesley Clemmons and Tony Boyle. Southern still has one scholarship available.
The Salukis are coming off a 13-18 season and fifth-place finish in the Missouri Valley Conference.
