Key Takeaways
- Enrique Freeman held his first career player camp on Saturday just days after entering NBA free agency.
- The Indiana Pacers withdrew their qualifying offer, but Freeman told RG he's excited for his next opportunity after balling out in Summer League.
- “I can bring rebounding, defense. Now I can bring shooting," Freeman said.
Enrique Freeman blocking (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Enrique Freeman fondly remembers what it was like to go to Kyrie Irving’s basketball camp when he was growing up in Cleveland, Ohio. That’s why paying it forward to the next generation of aspiring hoopers was so important to him.
Saturday morning, just three days before his 25th birthday, Freeman held his first career basketball camp with participants from third to eighth grade at The University of Akron, where his No. 25 jersey hangs in the rafters.
“It means the world,” Freeman told RG Media at Wentz Financial Player Development Center on campus after the facility cleared out. “It feels amazing. It feels good to give back. It's a little full-circle moment because Kyrie's rookie year, I went to his camp. Me and my cousin Adam, we were probably 10, 11 years old, and I just remember how I felt after that. So it just feels good to give that back to the younger generation.”
Giving Back
Powered by Run The Show, the two-hour event was led by Freeman and RTS trainer Kevin Christie. It included conditioning, dribbling drills, and four stations that focused on shooting, ball handling, passing, and finishing.
“For me, it helped me believe. And for these kids, I think it helped them believe. And also, it helped them get a few skills. That was the fun part, seeing their skill level and helping them get better.”
Of course, there was plenty of competition involved.
As the camp was coming to a close, the participants played dribble knockout and shooting knockout, and they had a free-throw competition to determine who would win a signed Freeman jersey from his time with the Indiana Pacers. At the end, the Akron Zips fan favorite stuck around to greet every student and take pictures, sending each home with an autographed photo.
“They're looking at you. So I just know that rush as a kid to see somebody you look up to,” Freeman told RG. “So, just trying to be a good example. That's the biggest takeaway: being a good example and showing them that no matter where you are, it's so important to give back and try to give back to your community.
“At first, I was a little nervous 'cause this was my first camp, but I was ecstatic with the turnout. Hopefully, this is an annual thing. I would love to do this every year. I already had a kid ask me, 'Are you coming back next year?' So I'm definitely gonna have to come back.”
First-Time NBA Free Agent
Just two days ago, the Pacers withdrew their qualifying offer to Freeman, making him a free agent for the first time since entering the league.
“It's a good feeling,” Freeman said. “I think I put myself in a good position to where I'll be somewhere soon to get a job and continue my career.”
That was despite the fact that he had a terrific five-game showing with Indy in Las Vegas at NBA Summer League. Freeman averaged 16.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.8 blocks on 77.4% True Shooting as one of the most notable players of the tournament.
“I can bring rebounding, defense. Now I can bring shooting. Now I can bring an offensive threat,” Freeman said. “I had a great Summer League this year, four double-doubles, No. 4 in efficiency throughout the Summer League. And also, I can offer my motor. I play very hard. I put in very hard work, and a lot of teams love that.
“My biggest goal is to get a contract and be a steady NBA player. That's my biggest goal.”
An Incredible Rookie Experience
Not many people can say they’ve gone from walking on at their college to being a member of a Finals team in only six years. Freeman can, and it capped a special debut season at the NBA and G League levels.
“One thing I learned is just the IQ of that game, the high level. It's the peak form of basketball,” Freeman said. “So I learned IQ, what it takes and fighting all the way 'til the very end. That's what I learned. Never give up.
“I’m grateful because I've done a lot, I've played well, I've been to the NBA Finals my first year,” Freeman continued. “So I'm just grateful for the year, really. TJ McConnell, he told me, 'Just be grateful.' I think that's why I said that word. That's one of my words to describe the year. He was telling me, 'I've been in the league 10, 11 years, and this is my first time making it to the Finals. It takes a lot of hard work, a lot of dedication.' Just being grateful and enjoying the moment, that was something a lot of the older guys say. Enjoy these moments.”
For Freeman, his support system has meant everything to him.
Between his mother Tania, his sisters Isis, Nicole, Nautica, Beautiful and Tatiana and his brother Steven, there’s only one way to reciprocate the love.
“Just give it back,” Freeman stated. “I think as much as people pour into you, you've got to pour into people.”
