New Zealand's Matthew Freeman commits to Oklahoma
Matthew Freeman, the 6'10 forward out of Auckland, New Zealand, has committed to the University of Oklahoma, joining the program at the start of the 2016 NCAA season.
The commitment was first reported by Scout's Evan Daniels.
Photo credit: David Rowland / www.photosport.co.nz
Freeman has been in the US over the past few weeks, playing with Team LivOn - a squad of Australian and Kiwi talent - at the adidas Summer Championships. He then participated at the adidas Nations Global event as a part of Team Asia Pacific, averaging an impressive 17.8 ppg and 3.3 rpg.
After participating in the adidas events, Freeman took an unofficial visit to Oklahoma, a trip that solidified his decision. The 6'10 Kiwi was also being recruited by Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, Wake Forest and Dayton.
Freeman told Scout.com about his decision, and what he likes about the program.
The coaches are great and I just see myself fitting in there better than anywhere else. I see it as the best opportunity for me as an individual to develop into the best player I can be. It's a great place too and the campus is beautiful.
Freeman has had a busy year, with the forward participating in the NBA Basketball Without Borders camp earlier this year, telling The Pick and Roll about what he needs to improve on before he heads to college.
I think for me, personally, I need to physically become stronger, but that just takes time and hard work.
New Zealand's gold medal winning squad (from left to right: Tai Wynyard, Matthew Freeman, Nikau McCullough and Sam Timmins)
Freeman was also a key member of the New Zealand Men's squad at the 2015 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Championship, walking away from that event with a gold medal.
Update: Freeman has told The Pick and Roll that the chances of him joining Oklahoma in January of 2016 is high.