Jamal Freeman

Infobox NCAA Athlete
name = Jamal Freeman
college = San Jose State
conference = WAC
sport = Basketball
position = Point Guard
class = Freshman
career_start = 2008
height_ft = 5
height_in = 10
weight_lb = 180
nationality = USA
highschool = Billings High School
birth_date = birth date and age|1989|4|30
birth_place = Billings, Montana

Jamal Freeman is freshman basketball player for San Jose State University. Freeman enters the 2008-2009 college basketball season competing for the starting point guard job with Adrian Oliver, the transfer from the University of Washington. He is the most highly touted recruit the Spartans have got in the history of their program.dubiousfact|date=September 2008

High School Career

Freeman was a star at Billings High School in Billings, Montana. He was a four-year starter and was named team captain for his junior and senior years of high school. Freeman led the conference in assists his last three years of high school and led the conference in scoring his senior year. In the midst of Freeman's junior year, the Billings High School team played a regional playoff with current Fresno State standout, O'monte Jackson. Jackson's Compton High team easily cruised past Billings to a 90-64 victory; their paths are likely to meet during this upcoming collegiate school year. During his senior year, Freeman averaged 20.2 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.2 steals per game. As a result, Freeman was named Mr. Basketball for the state of Montana.

College Career

Freeman orginally was rated a four-star recruit by Rivals.com. However, many Division 1 college programs were scared off by two factors: his small size and the lack of competition in Montana. However, after Freeman's suspension, all scholarships were dropped. However, George Nessman, San Jose State head coach, decided to take a chance on Freeman. He offered a scholarship that was immediately accepted by Freeman.fact|date=September 2008

Playing Style

Freeman is an above-average shooter, but is gifted with an incredible ability to drive through the lane. He has a quick step off the dribble and can blow by defenders on his way to the basket. In addition, Freeman is incredibly unselfish with the basketball and is an above-average passer. Howvever, George Nessman has stated that he needs to improve his decision making in order to become an elite point guard. Defensively, Freeman is gifted with quick hands. This allows him to get many steals. However, Freeman tends to be overly aggresive and often is burned by the dribbler after going for a steal.

Statistics