The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/592698
2015-16 WOLFPACK BASKETBALL PREVIEW ■ Lennard Freeman 1 • PF Jr. • Washington, D.C. • 6-8 • 250 Analysis: Freeman's defense and rebounding were added to the start- ing lineup down the stretch for the Pack, and it proved to be a significant addition. Overall, NC State went 6-1 in ACC games that Freeman started, including 5-1 in the final six contests of the regular season when he was put back into the lineup. Although his offense has room for growth, Freeman led the Pack in rebounds with an average of 5.6 in just 19.5 minutes a game. After having offseason leg surgery, Freeman will be eased back into action, but he should be ready to go by the opener. Career Highlights: Started the final 11 games of the season last year … Had a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds in the Pack's NCAA Tournament win over Villanova … Also had a double-double of 10 points and 12 boards in a regular-season victory over Jacksonville … Was a part- time starter in the post as a freshman, opening 11 contests … Second on the team with 127 defensive rebounds … Recorded a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds against Northwestern … Had a career-high 13 boards against Long Beach State and a personal-best 13 points versus Duke in the semifinals of the ACC Tournament … Selected to play in the Capital Classic all-star game after averaging 8.6 points and 9.8 rebounds at national high school basketball powerhouse Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va., as a senior … Was an all-conference se - lection as a junior at St. John's College High School in Washington, D.C., the last of two seasons he played there … Was a teammate of classmate BeeJay Anya on Team Takeover in AAU. Coach's Corner: "I want to be very conservative with Lennard. If it takes another month, I'm fine with that. I want him to get to where he was with his confidence and feel good. Every player that has ever gone through an injury is always in a hurry to get back." — Mark Gottfried Personal: Enrolled in NC State's First Year College and is interested in studying business … Has younger twin siblings, Makala and Makhi. STATISTICS Year G-GS MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 3FG% FT% 2013-14 35-11 23.2 4.0 5.7 0.6 51.4 — 44.9 2014-15 35-21 19.5 3.6 5.6 0.5 44.7 — 50.0 Ten Questions With Lennard Freeman What was the last movie you saw in the theater? "Straight Outta Compton." Who is the worst dancer on the team? Maverick Rowan. What is your ideal vacation destination? Hawaii. Who is your favorite current NC State football player? Pharoah McKever. What is your favorite spot on NC State's campus? The Brickyard. What is your biggest pet peeve? I hate when my door is shut, you come into my room and then leave and don't shut the door. BeeJay Anya does it all the time. Who is the best player right now in the NBA? LeBron James. What is your favorite arena that you have played in outside of NC State? Florida State's arena was nice. Who is the best player you've played against? [Former Duke and current NBA standout] Jabari Parker. If you were given one last meal, what would it be? I would get chicken Alfredo with banana pudding. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN 70 ■ THE WOLFPACKER