Freeman Big East bound

The first day of the early signing period is a big day for seniors across the country. It was also a big day for underclassman Austin Freeman, the No. 37 ranked prospect in the class of 2007. Freeman, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound shooting guard from DeMatha High School in Hyattsville, Md., will stay close to home and play in the Big East.

"Austin had offers from a ton of schools, but he narrowed it down to Notre Dame, North Carolina State, Georgetown and Maryland," said DeMatha head coach Mike Jones. "A lot of thing went into the decision, but most important was the feeling he got after getting to know the coaching staff and the players.

"Also, his mom really wanted him to stay close to home. At one time he actually wanted to get away from this area, but moms usually win that battle.

"In the end, he was just really comfortable with Coach Thompson, and he did a great job recruiting Austin."

Freeman, who has been on the national radar for quite sometime as a standout player for the DC Assault AAU team, has a lethal midrange game. With his strong frame, he has surprising quickness, superb body control and a feathery touch. He also rebounds very well and is skilled with the ball. He does have to watch his conditioning and continue to improve his lateral quickness on the defensive end.