Iowa Hawkeyes star Owen Freeman has garnered significant attention as an NBA prospect, receiving a major draft projection for 2024. His rise to prominence has been rapid, with scouts and analysts alike recognizing his immense potential. Below is a detailed look at Freeman’s journey, his NBA draft prospects, and what lies ahead.
Freeman’s Rise to Prominence
Owen Freeman, a 6’9″ forward from Iowa, has quickly established himself as one of the top players in the Big Ten. After a strong freshman season, he’s developed into a versatile, two-way player, showcasing a rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ that has made him a standout. Known for his inside presence, Freeman’s ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots from distance has made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Defensively, Freeman excels with his length and athleticism, often guarding multiple positions and using his shot-blocking abilities to impact the game. His improvement in these areas has raised his draft stock considerably.
The NBA Draft Projection
Freeman’s all-around game has impressed NBA scouts, with many projecting him as a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Some mock drafts even have him in the top-10, depending on his performance over the remainder of the season. His ability to contribute in numerous facets of the game—rebounding, shot-blocking, scoring, and playmaking—has made him one of the most coveted players in this year’s class.
“I’ve been following Owen Freeman closely for the last year, and what stands out to me is his ability to do so many different things on the court,” said an NBA scout. “He’s got the size and physical tools to compete at the next level, and his basketball IQ is off the charts. He’s one of those players who just fits into any system.”
Freeman’s Role for Iowa
Under head coach Fran McCaffery, Freeman has continued to improve, taking on a more prominent role in Iowa’s offense. This season, he’s averaging more points, showing growth as a scorer, and becoming the focal point of Iowa’s offensive sets. His pick-and-roll execution has been a key weapon, as he finishes well around the rim. Additionally, Freeman has developed a reliable mid-range jumper and is extending his range to the three-point line, making him even more difficult to defend.
Offensively, Freeman is becoming a more complete player, while defensively, his leadership has been pivotal for the Hawkeyes. Whether it’s grabbing an offensive rebound or making a key defensive play, Freeman has established himself as a reliable contributor in clutch moments.
NBA Fit and Future Prospects
Freeman’s versatility makes him an excellent fit for a number of NBA teams. His ability to play both power forward and center, along with his skill set, allows him to fit into the modern NBA, where versatility is highly valued. Teams looking to add a two-way forward with both offensive and defensive upside will likely have Freeman on their radar.
His strong motor, high basketball IQ, and work ethic are additional qualities that will make him an attractive prospect for teams looking to build for the future. As the 2024 NBA Draft approaches, Freeman’s performances in the Big Ten Tournament and potentially the NCAA Tournament will be crucial in determining his final draft position.
The Road Ahead
The remainder of the season will be crucial for Freeman as he looks to solidify his place in the NBA Draft. His performances in the conference tournament and the NCAA Tournament could significantly impact his draft stock. NBA scouts are already closely monitoring his every move, and Freeman will have the chance to further elevate his stock with strong showings on the biggest stages.
As he looks ahead, Freeman’s primary focus remains on leading Iowa to a deep NCAA Tournament run. However, regardless of how the season unfolds, it’s clear that his future in the NBA is bright. Whether he ends up as a lottery pick or falls into the first round, Freeman is poised to make a major impact at the next level.
For now, the Hawkeyes and their fans are excited to see how Freeman continues to develop and whether his NBA dream will become a reality sooner rather than later.
