If you want to win an NCAA title then you usually need a good coach, a great resume…and a McDonald’s All-American. Only 2 championship teams from 1979-2020 did not have such a player (2002 Maryland/2014 UConn) but 2 of the past 3 champs have successfully broken away from this trend (2021 Baylor/2023 UConn). The rosters for this year’s McDonald’s All-American Game were announced in January after selecting the 24 best players in the nation from a list of several hundred nominees. If you do not think these guys can make an immediate impact in the fall, just ask Coach Scott Drew how he likes having 2023 honoree Ja’Kobe Walter at Baylor! Unlike most years when 1 school stands out as the big winner with the most All-Americans, there are 5 different programs tied for the lead with 2 each (Alabama/Duke/Kentucky/North Carolina and…Rutgers!?). Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Donnie Freeman about being named a McDonald’s All-American and winning multiple titles.
You were born in the Bahamas and moved to DC when you were 6 years old: how did you 1st get into basketball? I played a lot of different sports growing up including karate/track but I was the best at basketball and stuck with it.
Last spring you won the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Tournament Championship with St. John’s College High School and then a few months later you won the EYBL Peach Jam Championship with Team Takeover: what is the secret to winning titles? With Team Takeover we were a complete team and played really well on defense, but in the end it comes down to who plays together the most and has the most trust.
Why did you decide to transfer to IMG Academy, and how is it working out so far? It was the best opportunity for me to be seen, play against the best players in the country, and train like a pro. Being away from my family will also help me adjust to being at college this fall.
You received offers from several great schools including Alabama/Georgetown but signed with Syracuse last November: what was the biggest factor in your decision? I had the most genuine relationship with their coaching staff and they offered me a great opportunity coming in.
You have added at least 10 pounds of muscle over the past few months via a strength and conditioning program/nutritionist: how has your hard work off the court impacted your skill set on the court? It helps to be able to take the ball to the rim. I can also guard bigger players and box out for rebounds pretty well.
Coach Adrian Autry’s team is 14-8 and only has 1 senior on the roster: do you think they will make it into the NCAA tourney, and do you think that you can come in and play a significant role next year if everyone returns? They can be as good as anyone in the country because they have some really good pieces. Hopefully I can come in next year and have a good impact.
Last month you were named a McDonald’s All-American: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It was a dream come true. When I was a kid it was something that I always wanted to accomplish so it was a great honor.
There are several other honorees who will be heading to the ACC this fall including Isaiah Evans (Duke)/Cooper Flagg (Duke)/Ian Jackson (NC)/Drake Powell (NC): which of them are you most excited to play against? Nobody in particular: I am just excited to compete against everyone.
You are part of a small but great recruiting class including Elijah Moore: how well do you know your future teammate? We are pretty cool and have had some conversations here and there. We were unable to take our official visits at the same time but are excited to get to campus this year.
You are 6’9”: what position do you play now, and what position will you feel most comfortable at in college? I play PF/C now but I am comfortable playing at any position.