Courtesy: UNBC Athletics

By CKPG Today

UNBC COMMIT

UNBC Men’s Basketball has looked to New Zealand for its newest recruit

Jun 20, 2023 | 9:39 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — The University of Northern British Columbia Men’s Basketball team has looked to New Zealand for its newest recruit, announcing the official commitment of tantalizingly talented six-foot-seven scoring swing Patrick Freeman to the roster for the 2023-2024 Canada West season, and beyond.

“I chose the Timberwolves because I made a really good connection with Todd (Jordan) and I like the way he approaches the game. From what I have seen and heard, the Timberwolves play and train really hard, and I am really excited to be a part of that. I don’t think I could be any more excited. I can’t wait to get over there and start training with everyone.”

The native of Wellington, New Zealand competed in the NZ Under 19 National Championships, where he was the tournament’s top scorer, averaging 29.4 points, to go along with 10.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game.

Freeman knows there will be adjustment to the North American style of play, but he points to the quality of hir current competition as reason for confidence that he will make a smooth transition when he arrives at UNBC.

“Being a part of the New Zealand national league the last couple years has really helped my development. We have a lot of really good players in this league, and we have three overseas players per team. A lot of them come from the G League, so for the last few years, I have been competing against and training against some really good players.”

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Canada West basketball teams are allowed to carry three international players on the active roster; UNBC coach Todd Jordan will welcome back Russian guard/forward Evgeny Baukin, to go along with American all-star transfer Josh Gillespie, and decided Freeman’s rare combination of size and skill was the ideal fit for the present and future of Timberwolves basketball.

“Patrick will be a great addition to our basketball program. He led the New Zealand U18 national tournament in scoring, and has a natural ability to score the basketball. At 6’7”, Patrick brings versatility with the ability to play inside as well as possessing a good perimeter skill package for someone his size. With all five years of eligibility in front of him, still has a lot of room to develop. I am extremely excited to get to work with him and help him take the next step in his game. Patrick rounds out a recruiting class that will add a lot of size to our program. “

Freeman, who plays his club basketball with Mid City Magic Dunedin NZ for coaches Anthony Arlidge and Sam Fielding, has the ability to play at the guard or forward position. That versatility at both ends has the potential to cause problems for opposing Canada West gameplans.

The 19-year-old’s scoring numbers are gaudy, but his basketball IQ stands out, with an innate understanding of the defensive end, as well as a keen playmaking ability with the ball in his hands.

“I think I am pretty versatile for my size. I have a lot of skills that taller players don’t normally have. I can do a bit of everything. I like being involved in all aspects of the game. Getting my teammates involved, offensively, defensively.”

Averaging 32.2 points and 16.9 rebounds per game for coach Rob Gold of Tawa College in the Wellington High School Premier League, Freeman was top scorer in the competition, and is twice a champion at that level.

But beyond the court, he spent time with Jordan discussing the academic and philanthropic focus of the program, and sees an ideal fit for his jump to the highest level of university sport in Canada.

“From what I have heard, New Zealand and Canada are really similar in terms of their culture and attitude. I am looking forward to being a part of a small school where you get to know your professors and tutors really well.”

Freeman will enroll in UNBC’s psychology program, with a long-term goal of pursuing physiotherapy. He will join his new Timberwolf teammates for training camp at the end of August, and continue a basketball journey that started when he was just ten years old.

“Canada seems like a good level of competition, and I get a chance to be committed to a dedicated program and a really great school. It feels great to be committed. I can’t wait to get to UNBC and to Prince George and meet everyone.”