Ben Freeland had a breakout summer run that will garner more attention if he continues his steady play this upcoming year when he suits up as the center for Montgomery High of the North Bay League. As a junior on the team, Freeland was critical to the Vikings season that had a 23-8 record and ended in a first round loss to Oakmont in the NorCal playoffs. Freeland averaged 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists per contest in the second half of the season.
On a individual level for his senior season, Freeland wants to get stronger and learn more post moves while he assists Montgomery to a NorCal title goal and run at the state title.
At 6-foot-10 and 205 pounds, Freeland considers himself to be both a finesse and power post player with a deadly hook shot. At the Best of Summer event in Anaheim, Freeland's skills were on display with his Lakeshow 17 team. He has the nimble, quick footwork that can make it difficult to guard him off the dribble. On the other hand, he has no problem hustling his way for a rebound and put back.
When asked what Freeland needs at the next level, Lakeshow Coach Joe Fuca said, "Ben will benefit from a good college staff with the focus from a quality weight training program and good post player coaches."
Freeland compares his game to that of LA Laker Pau Gasol. Similar to Gasol, Freeland often shied away from contact earlier in his basketball playing days. But he has worked on his aggressiveness and toughness inside the paint plus bulking up to handle the physical play.
"Ben has a high motor," said Fuca. He is relentless to stay around the action. At 6'9 or 6'10, Ben is constantly hustling. Ben learns the offense and defense schemes really fast. He picks up on the plays really fast. Ben is a tremendous rebounder because of his motor on both ends."
This Viking has been playing basketball since he was four years old. During this summer, Freeland has been working on his mid-range shot as he wants to extend the defense on him. Big Ben, as his teammates call him, played with his high school and Lakeshow 17 team during the summer.
When asked about his summer tournament experiences, Freeland said, "I loved playing with Lakeshow as it was a great group of guys. The competition level was far greater than anything I will face in my high school's league play." Playing during the summer helped improve Freeland's recruiting as it has shown his ability to play with and against talented players.
Freeland's summer play has generated a lot of interest from college programs. Air Force, Chico State, Denver, Pacific, Princeton, St. Mary's, UC Davis, UC San Diego, and Yale have contacted him while Azusa Pacific and Columbia have given him an offer. This Viking has not made any visits and has Columbia, St. Mary's, and UC Davis as his favorites based on a combination of their academic and basketball reputation.
Big Ben wants to attend a school based on its style of play, be in a big city environment, and fits his academic goals. Academically, Freeland has a 3.10 GPA and has an 1580 SAT, which makes him NCAA eligible. He would like to major in Kinesiology as his favorite subject is Chemistry.
Freeland believes in treating everyone with respect, including his opponents. He says, "I treat everyone with respect because how you treat them is how you will be treated in return."
Big Ben is a force on the court, but is definitely approachable off the court. Incidentally, college programs seem to be approaching him in droves based on his summer performance.
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