Class of 2024 PF Donnie Freeman (MD / IMG) COMMITTED & SIGNED TO SYRACUSE (5/11/23)

[longtimefan]

People like you in your post talk about how you can't play a particular lineup because it will be susceptible to a press, or another said you can't play a certain lineup because it would not be able to defend inside, or you can't play another lineup because it lacks outside shooting.

Yes, that may be true in instances that particular lineups are susceptible to this or that, but none of these lineups are going to play together for even 20 minutes in a game, because of substitutions, tactics and foul trouble.

So, yes, to make a generalization that "these 5 guys couldn't play together" is kind of a false negative. You use different lineups in different situations, and you need far more than your starting 5 to make a competitive team.

Unless he develops a whole new set of skills in the off-season, Bell is not a 2-guard.

Starling had a 1:1 assist/TO ratio as a secondary ball-handler. That was without the opposition's primary perimeter defender on him.

You can't put a square peg in a round hole, even for short periods.

 

[Zelda Zonk]

People like you in your post talk about how you can't play a particular lineup because it will be susceptible to a press, or another said you can't play a certain lineup because it would not be able to defend inside, or you can't play another lineup because it lacks outside shooting.

Yes, that may be true in instances that particular lineups are susceptible to this or that, but none of these lineups are going to play together for even 20 minutes in a game, because of substitutions, tactics and foul trouble.

So, yes, to make a generalization that "these 5 guys couldn't play together" is kind of a false negative. You use different lineups in different situations, and you need far more than your starting 5 to make a competitive team.

“People like you?”
If you want to rip me for something I’ve said, rip me for something I’ve said. Not what other people say. Those weren’t my words. Don't know what your beef is, but it isn’t related to what I’ve been discussing here.

 

[ssbriefcase]

Freeman was not promised a starting spot.

Hold up, wasn’t it said earlier in this thread, that there’s no way he doesn’t start? Was that Bulldog04 ?

 

[Cuse2023]

Hold up, wasn’t it said earlier in this thread, that there’s no way he doesn’t start? Was that Bulldog04 ?

I never said he wouldn't start, just that he wasn't promised a starting spot. It all will depend if we add a quality center. If we do, I do not think he starts.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Unless he develops a whole new set of skills in the off-season, Bell is not a 2-guard.

Starling had a 1:1 assist/TO ratio as a secondary ball-handler. That was without the opposition's primary perimeter defender on him.

You can't put a square peg in a round hole, even for short periods.

I agree that Bell's not a guard, certainly not for more than about 5 minutes a game, if we wanted to play a "jumbo" lineup, but still have some 3 point threat.

I agree that Starling is not a point guard. But Starling is a pretty decent secondary ball handler, especially against pressure. That's still useful to have, but you're right, he's not our PG.

If we had a really good, honest to goodness point guard who could beat pressure consistently by himself, then yes, you can play square pegs in round holes for a few minutes.

That was kind of like Boeheim's whole career - playing essentially a PG, a C and 3 forwards, or playing big guards to turn them into PGs (Triche, Frank Howard, MCW), or playing SFs at SG (Cipolla, Janulis), trying to get physical advantage over the other team.

Tactics work both ways. You can force the other team to adjust, or else they will do that to you.

 

[ssbriefcase]

I never said he wouldn't start, just that he wasn't promised a starting spot. It all will depend if we add a quality center. If we do, I do not think he starts.

I know what you said, doesn't change anything I said

 

[shu 49]

Cuffe is more of a viable point guard than JJ.

I agree as a backup he could do well.

 

[jordville]

Let's go Donnie!

Cuse has another Burger Boy!!

 

[SP_Gilbs]

Let's go Donnie!

Cuse has another Burger Boy!!

He looks to have added even more muscle since the last games I saw last month. Still needs some work in the lower body but that upper body has added a lot of weight over the course of the season. Encouraging sign for sure.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[Cusesky8214]

 

[RyanCuse44]

Stroke that 3 Donnie we need it next season.

 

[hoopsupstate]

What we could do with a big who could score inside and out!

 

[albanycuse]

He looks really skinny. Hope he adds some weight.

 

[Giants1973]

He looks really skinny. Hope he adds some weight.

I've never heard that before?

 

[OrangeXtreme]

Freeman helping himself

Another player who has helped himself thus far, first in the practices and then in the scrimmages, is Syracuse signee Donnie Freeman. It started from the moment the players first walked onto the court Saturday night. How could that be? Because it immediately became clear whose height was an exaggeration and whose wasn't. Freeman is one of the tallest players here. The fact that he's been shooting the ball consistently from three and showing some lateral mobility for his size has only added to the intrigue thus far.

 

[jordoo]

Freeman helping himself

Another player who has helped himself thus far, first in the practices and then in the scrimmages, is Syracuse signee Donnie Freeman. It started from the moment the players first walked onto the court Saturday night. How could that be? Because it immediately became clear whose height was an exaggeration and whose wasn't. Freeman is one of the tallest players here. The fact that he's been shooting the ball consistently from three and showing some lateral mobility for his size has only added to the intrigue thus far.

So a legit 6-9? Or is he taller than that now. I think Maliq is a legit 6-8 for comparison. Certainly looks tall in that video, also looks skinny but a more muscled Jerami Grant type body.

 

[jordville]

Freeman helping himself

Another player who has helped himself thus far, first in the practices and then in the scrimmages, is Syracuse signee Donnie Freeman. It started from the moment the players first walked onto the court Saturday night. How could that be? Because it immediately became clear whose height was an exaggeration and whose wasn't. Freeman is one of the tallest players here. The fact that he's been shooting the ball consistently from three and showing some lateral mobility for his size has only added to the intrigue thus far.

Love the Donnie shout out!

Also love that Ace went right after Cooper. I've been getting to watch Ace play up close the last couple years... so fun to watch. I still say a player comp for him is T-Mac.

 

[albanycuse]

I've never heard that before?

Glad I could help.

 

[CuseMan4]

Everyone needs to enjoy Donnie the one year he is here. He is a legit one and done. He’ll be a lottery pick on intrigue and potential alone. Dude is damn near 6’10”, athletic as hell, moves very well for his size, has very good defensive potential and can shoot it well for his size.

If Judah stay….Judah, Starling, Maliq, Bell and Freeman are going to be a force

Doesn’t even include Choppa, Westry, McLeod, Cuffe and whoever we get in the portal. I’m excited

 

[Cuse12]

He looks really skinny. Hope he adds some weight.

He is “skinny” but has strength. If he was our center I would agree with the weight comment, but that’s not what we need him for. He is a stretch forward, his weight is just fine IMO. He is going to be the most day 1 ready freshman since ennis IMO. He is super skilled, this isn’t a Frank anselem or chukwu type guy who has no ball skill. Essentially no need for “too skinny” comments when we don’t need him to be banging down low exclusively IMO. Now if this was our center I would be all in agreement with you lol!

 

[Cuse12]

View attachment 239409

I think that’s maybe Ian Jackson, but Deff not our guy Donnie! Lol happens!

 

[albanycuse]

He is “skinny” but has strength. If he was our center I would agree with the weight comment, but that’s not what we need him for. He is a stretch forward, his weight is just fine IMO. He is going to be the most day 1 ready freshman since ennis IMO. He is super skilled, this isn’t a Frank anselem or chukwu type guy who has no ball skill. Essentially no need for “too skinny” comments when we don’t need him to be banging down low exclusively IMO. Now if this was our center I would be all in agreement with you lol!

He still needs to add some weight. His skill set will only take him so far that his body wont.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

I think that’s maybe Ian Jackson, but Deff not our guy Donnie! Lol happens!

Freeman is #10. NOT #11.

 

[Melancer46]

Full video of the first scrimmage game for the All Americans. A couple things the commentators mentioned early on:

• He impressed NBA scouts in practice earlier in the morning, draining a ton of jumpers.
• Referred to him as being 6'10" despite the All American rosters listing him at 6'7".
• He was the most improved senior this year.