If Freeman keeps playing like this, best SU player since...

[orangepassion]

He has been a different player since his return from injury. Dare I say if he keeps playing like this, our best since Melo?

 

[Cuseloyal]

Hakim Warrick, GMac, Wes Johnson, Jonny Flynn all got something to say about that

 

[NineOneSeven]

Yes, you dare.

 

[General20]

I dont think he is better than Warrick was. Freeman is better defensively, but Warrick was a better scorer and better on the boards. Comparible though, which is saying a lot. Warrick was an All American.

 

[Orangezoo]

I dont think he is better than Warrick was. Freeman is better defensively, but Warrick was a better scorer and better on the boards. Comparible though, which is saying a lot. Warrick was an All American.

Warrick had elite footwork and had the mid range and low post game from anywhere in the paint. Donnie has a little back to the basket with the floater hook but is more face up. Donnie also has the outside jumper but that is less unique in today’s college game paired with how unique Hakim was in college. There was no player in cbb like Hak and honestly even with some of the crazy athletes and dunkers it’s hard to find one historically since and very few prior.

 

[orangepassion]

Warrick was incredible offensively his Senior year. One edge Freeman has over him is his 3-point ability. I do find he shoots better from 3 after he scores inside and want him to keep working the game inside out like JB had Melo do.

 

[CuseMan4]

If Freeman keeps this up and leads us to an elite 8. Then I can get on board with this. I get what you are saying cause he’s putting up big numbers but with being one of the best comes postseason success in my opinion. He’s gotta make the post season

 

[Cusefan0307]

Warrick was incredible offensively his Senior year. One edge Freeman has over him is his 3-point ability. I do find he shoots better from 3 after he scores inside and want him to keep working the game inside out like JB had Melo do.

Just wasn’t a skill PF’s were taught then. I have zero doubt Warrick would be good there now as he was elite in the midrange. Warrick was also an elite rebounder and leaper. Donnie doesn’t quite have this attributes.

 

[Chip]

I'd like him to stay 4 years before I make this assessment.

One of you make that happen. Please and thank you.

 

[MamesJungro]

In 2010, Wes Johnson was an absolute monster. Maybe a bit underrated because he had a long but not particularly notable NBA career, but had a level of polish and skill that is unique in CBB

 

[JustPherU]

I'd like him to stay 4 years before I make this assessment.

One of you make that happen. Please and thank you.

I’d take 2 more years, but chances are you are watching his last season in Orange.

 

[grepal]

probably best since Melo. He is better than I hoped for.

 

[cliftonparksufan]

If Freeman keeps this up and leads us to an elite 8. Then I can get on board with this. I get what you are saying cause he’s putting up big numbers but with being one of the best comes postseason success in my opinion. He’s gotta make the post season

Hard to tell how good this team is. But, it has a lot of good parts. One thing is that I think they will play to the level of competition all season. So, no getting blown out, but a lot of close games.

I'm not sure who is able to guard Donnie when he has Kyle playing next to him. It has to be an equally big guy who also has the strength and speed. Otherwise, Donnie will take you inside or just shoot over you outside. And how many teams have TWO athletic bigs that are able to cover Donnie and Kyle.

It's a shame we couldn't see Donnie develop last year, or in Vegas. And, we've had few guys that have had Donnie's size and talent.

 

[Fly Rodder]

Freeman is putting up monster numbers since returning. Can't wait to see him against the better teams, that'll go a long way to making a run.

He made a few circus shots last night that probably don't go in most times, but he also absolutely drilled some perimeter shots. He's an exciting player to watch.

ETA: Currently Cam Boozer leads the ACC in PER and has a 32.5 PER in conference games. Donnie is at 35.

 

[Ozone!]

He has been a different player since his return from injury. Dare I say if he keeps playing like this, our best since Melo?

A healthy Donnie certainly is a difference maker for this team!

 

[Trueblue25]

Waiters and Flynn were another level than Donnie so far. Lets win some ACC tournament games before discussing if hes the next melo

 

[Lame-0]

I'm going to go way back. The way he moves and the diversity in his game reminds me of Billy Owens.

 

[CuseMan4]

I'm going to go way back. The way he moves and the diversity in his game reminds me of Billy Owens.

Ehhhh it’s hard to compare Donnie to anyone we had before because Donnie is a modern day forward. Donnie is 6’11 forward, that can handle the ball, and shoot 3’s. But also play down low, is skilled and is athletic….we haven’t had a player like that probably ever. There’s not many guys that do what Donnie does. Donnie is obviously not Kevin Durant, KD is one of the best shooters, offensive players of all time. But you can tell Donnie has modeled his game a bit after KD. Donnie will likely be our best pro player since Grant in my opinion. He’s only getting better. The only thing holding Donnie back is injuries. If he stays healthy he legitimately has unlimited potential

 

[sugrad68]

Coming into this season I thought Donnie could be a 20-10 player. How many SU players have done that. Melo was a man among boys in his one year. Donnie is not Melo but he is our most important player by far and is still learning. He hasn’t played that many games in 1 1/2 years.

 

[Sherman20]

I know it’s highly unlikely he will be playing in college next season, but if he did come back to Cuse, you could build a national championship contender around him and attract some really good guards from the portal.

Our frontcourt is excellent this year with Donnie back. The problem all season has been our backcourt play not being what we thought it would be. JJ starting to play better these past few games has got me hoping that it could turn into a strength. We need George and Kingz to become more consistent now. George needs to cut down on the turnovers, Kingz needs to start knocking down more 3s, and Red needs to run more off ball screens and get more movement, so George has more structure to work within.

 

[tbonezone]

believe i said many many many times last year donnie should have worn #44 . he was worthy. not 1 year eddie oompah lumpkin BBQ pitmaster.

• May 27, 2024

"FREEMAN will start. is he #44 caliber on the front line ? derrick and Jdub were . give him the jersey and let's see."

thus spake the bone.

 

[Col. Bleep]

Everyone should appreciate the skills and drive Donnie brings.

There's only been one big in Orange history who has the outside skills he has.
So...the highest compliment.
He's the best big outside shooter since Elvir Ovcina.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

I dont think he is better than Warrick was. Freeman is better defensively, but Warrick was a better scorer and better on the boards. Comparible though, which is saying a lot. Warrick was an All American.

1st team, as I recall. ( As a senior) Donnie is a more versatile scorer. Donnie is essentially a freshman

 

[Jake]

Rakeem gets a little forgotten. His Sr year.

17.5ppg
9.1rpg
2.5bpg
1.5apg

Pretty damn solid over the course of a year in a strong ACC conference in 2014-15.

 

[miamicuse]

Not since Melo, just off the top of my head, Dion, Christmas, Fab Melo were more dominant in my mind at least.