Whether Donnie Freeman has emerged as the go-to guy or just a go-to guy for Syracuse basketball depends who you ask. Since returning from a right leg injury that caused him to miss nine games, Freeman has scored at least 18 points in all four games. There’s no denying his importance to this Orange team. Syracuse has a higher ceiling with Freeman in the fold.
Freeman’s timely buckets throughout Syracuse’s three-game wining streak have him looking like an established go-to guy when it matters most.
“I think we have a couple of those guys,” Adrian Autry said of Freeman’s go-to status. “Donnie’s just efficient. The one thing about him, he does a good job of getting to his spots or he can get to the foul line.”
Freeman nearly brought Syracuse all the way back against Clemson. His late buckets in wins at Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh served as the proverbial final nail in the coffin. He had eight points — as well as some key rebounds and a timely steal — in the last six minutes of the Florida State game.
Now midway through his sophomore year, Freeman credits preparation for his success. After missing the back half of last season with a foot injury he was able to see the game from “a different lens” from the Syracuse bench. He understands the college game. Added strength to his frame has helped him more than he anticipated. Freeman’s maturation as a player has progressed in sync with Syracuse’s ability win these games against Power Four competition.
Syracuse is learning how to close out games. Asked if he was the go-to guy, Freeman acknowledged his shot-making down the stretch but wouldn’t go as far as to claim go-to guy status.
“We’re a very well-rounded team,” Freeman said. “I mean, of course I hit some big shots down the stretch the last few games. But coming up it could be anybody. It just so happened to be me the last few games.”
Freeman, who has fought through plenty of challenges in his truncated time at Syracuse, understands there will be more obstacles ahead on the journey.
“I’ve been playing well now but I know the college basketball game is tough and it’s unpredictable,” Freeman said. “So you just want to keep a level head, (stay) even-keeled. This game’s behind me now and now I gotta get ready for Boston College. Take it day-by-day.”
Part of learning how to win has been Syracuse’s intent to get Freeman the ball down the stretch of these close games. The Orange has worked the ball to him at the top of the key (important three and mid-range at Pittsburgh, game-finishing dunk at Georgia Tech) as well as in the mid-post and low-block against Florida State.
“We have different type of things, we do cross screens, shuffle cuts, all different type of action to get me the ball. Teams are starting to scout now so we’re going to have to adjust but we have a variety of stuff to get me the ball in my spots,” Freeman said.
Part of what makes Freeman so hard to guard is his rare combination of height, strength and speed.
“When you have someone like that, a lot of times it’s trying to get him the ball and try to get him some space a little bit. He’s a mismatch problem,” Autry said.
Teams have to respect Freeman’s outside shot as he’s an efficient three point shooter. Inside, his height and athleticism allow him to score over the top of players. Athletically, on the break, it’s hard to stop. His added strength is helping him absorb contact and finish off those plays for and-ones that might not have fallen a year ago. Freeman draws 7.5 fouls per 40 minutes (KenPom), which ranks 15th nationally. He’s making his free throws for a team that has struggled at the line before conference play.
“My coach told me when I was younger,” Freeman stated, “basketball is a very unselfish sport. But when you get to the free throw line you gotta be selfish. … Those add up honestly. Those are just like, you just have to count your pennies. Those add toward the total as well.”
Syracuse is 7-1 with Freeman in the lineup. Although those wins have been against lower-level competition, there’s no doubt Syracuse has greater potential with Freeman available. The Orange’s post-season aspirations could very well hinge on Freeman’s play — and health.
“I don’t expect really (anything) less from him,” Kiyan Anthony said. “He’s a high-level athlete, definitely an NBA-level guy. For him to come out here after the injury and just to be consistent — score multiple 20-point games, grab nine or ten rebounds every night — it’s definitely helpful for the team.”
Since his return, Freeman is averaging 23.0 points and 7.8 rebounds per game with shooting splits of 57.4/44.4/81.5. He’s had five blocks and five steals through those four games.
“He’s playing really well,” Autry said. “Offensively he’s one of the better players in college basketball.”
