Eric Freeny Stays Committed to UCLA: A Key Piece for the Bruins' Future
In a move that should excite UCLA fans, redshirt freshman Eric Freeny has confirmed his commitment to remain with the Bruins. The 6-foot-4 guard from Corona has shown promising development and is poised to be a significant contributor to the team.
Freeny, who averaged 2.0 points and 1.6 rebounds in 11 minutes per game this past season, emerged as a crucial bench player, especially in the final stretch. His performance included hitting two clutch 3-pointers in a victory over Penn State and grabbing four offensive rebounds against Nebraska. Notably, he logged a season-high 23 minutes and scored eight points in the Big Ten Tournament semifinal against Purdue.
A four-star recruit from Centennial High, Freeny chose to redshirt his first year, allowing him to adapt and grow under the guidance of head coach Mick Cronin. The coaching staff focused on harnessing his strengths as a robust, 200-pound guard, emphasizing defense and rebounding. This strategy paid off as Freeny’s relentless effort became his hallmark, earning him more time on the court.
Coach Cronin once praised Freeny's tenacity with a vivid analogy: “You want to figure out who the toughest guy on the team is? If you circled them all up and dropped a ball from the ceiling, who was going to come out of the pile with it?
That’s your toughest guy. I think I’d take Free.”
Freeny himself is focused on continuous improvement. “No ceiling, just have to keep on going.
That’s it. That’s what it’s going to take,” he remarked earlier this month, reflecting his dedication and drive.
In recent meetings with the UCLA coaching staff, Freeny discussed his future role and playing time, solidifying his place in the team’s plans. His commitment to growth and leaving a lasting legacy at UCLA is clear, making him a player to watch as the Bruins look to build on their successes.