BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The story of Cleveland native Enrique Freeman is one-of-a-kind.
The University of Akron walk-on was selected by the Indiana Pacers in the 2024 NBA Draft on Friday, June 27, as pick No. 50 in Round 2.
With the Pacers' pick, Freeman becomes the seventh University of Akron product to be drafted to the NBA and the first since 1987 when the Phoenix Suns drafted Marcel Boyd.
After trying out for the team in 2019, Freeman worked his way up to leading the team to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2024 and winning the accolades of 2024 MAC Tournament MVP and MAC Player of the Year.
During his college career, Freeman etched his name in Akron history, finishing first in all-time rebounds with 1,405, second in career blocks with 188 and third in all-time points with 1,843.
Video from the moment when Freeman was drafted can be watched below:
The 23-year-old defensive powerhouse, who stands at 6 feet 7 inches, led the nation in rebounds per game last season with 12.9. He also tied an NCAA record for the most double-doubles in a season with 31.
The Saint Martin de Porres High School graduate averaged 18.6 points per game and 12.9 rebounds during the 2023-24 season. Additionally, he shot a stellar 58.4% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc.
A full list of University of Akron Men's Basketball players drafted to the NBA can be viewed below:
- Joe Wahl (Philadelphia Warriors, 1948)
- Bill Turner (Golden State Warriors, 1967)
- Len Paul (Detroit Pistons, 1973)
- Nate Barnett (Houston Rockets, 1975)
- Joe Jakubic (Cleveland Cavaliers, 1984)
- Marcel Boyce (Phoenix Suns, 1987)
- Enrique Freeman (Indiana Pacers, 2024)
Ahead of March Madness, Freeman sat down with 3News' Nick Camino to discuss his Cleveland roots. The interview can be watched below:
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