Gabe Freeman

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Gabe Freeman

| image = NBLC Jan 26,2017 -12 (cropped).jpg

| caption = Freeman with the Riptide in 2017

| position =

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 6

| weight_lb = 205

| league =

| team =

| number =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|11|5}}

| birth_place = Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.

| high_school = McClintock (Tempe, Arizona)

| college = Mesa CC (2006–2007)

| draft_year = 2007

| career_start = 2007

| career_end = 2019

| career_position = Small forward / Power forward

| years1 = 2007–2008

| team1 = Correcaminos UAT

| years2 = 2008–2009

| team2 = Albany Patroons

| years3 = 2009

| team3 = San Miguel Beermen

| years4 = 2009–2010

| team4 = Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry

| years5 = 2010

| team5 = Philippine Patriots

| years6 = 2010

| team6 = San Miguel Beermen

| years7 = 2010

| team7 = Townsville Crocodiles

| years8 = 2010–2011

| team8 = Philippine Patriots

| years9 = 2011

| team9 = Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry

| years10 = {{nblcy|2011|start}}–{{nblcy|2011|end}}

| team10 = London Lightning

| years11 = 2012

| team11 = Barako Bull Energy

| years12 = 2012

| team12 = Petron Blaze Boosters

| years13 = {{nblcy|2012|start}}

| team13 = London Lightning

| years14 = 2012

| team14 = Barangay Ginebra

| years15 = 2013

| team15 = Petron Blaze Boosters

| years16 = {{nblcy|2013|start}}

| team16 = London Lightning (Canada)

| years17 = 2014

| team17 = Barangay Ginebra

| years18 = 2014–2015

| team18 = Rochester Razorsharks

| years19 = {{nblcy|2015|start}}–{{nblcy|2015|end}}

| team19 = Saint John Mill Rats

| years20 = {{nblcy|2016|start}}–2017

| team20 = Saint John Riptide

| years21 = 2017–2018

| team21 = Al-Shorta

| years22 = 2018–2019

| team22 = Halifax Hurricanes

| awards =

PBL champion (2015)
NBL Canada Most Valuable Player ({{nblcy|2011|end}})
All-NBL Canada First Team (2012)
All-NBL Canada Defence First Team (2012)
NBL Canada champion (2012)
NBL Canada All-Star (2012)
PBA champion (2009 Fiesta)
2× PBA Best Import of the Conference (2009, 2010)
ABL champion (2010)
CBA Defensive Player of the Year (2009)

}}

Gabriel DeAndre Freeman (born November 5, 1985){{cite web|title=Initial roster of the London Lightning|url=https://lfpress.com/sports/basketball/2011/11/03/18918421.html|work=London Free Press|access-date=March 24, 2013|date=November 3, 2011|archive-date=January 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116113311/http://www.lfpress.com/sports/basketball/2011/11/03/18918421.html|url-status=dead}} is an American former professional basketball player. Freeman also has experience with the London Lightning in the NBL Canada and steered them to a 2012 Finals victory. He won the ASEAN Basketball League championship with the Philippine Patriots in 2009 and led the San Miguel Beermen to a 2009 PBA Fiesta Conference title earlier that year.

Early life and college

Born in Phoenix, Freeman graduated from McClintock High School of Tempe, Arizona in 2004.{{cite web|title=Gabe Freeman profile|url=http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&c=2&cid=200271&nid=720783&fhn=1&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fscouthoops.scout.com%2fa.z%3fs%3d75%26p%3d9%26c%3d2%26cid%3d200271%26nid%3d720783%26fhn%3d1|work=scout.com|access-date=March 24, 2013}} He attended Southern Utah University but never played a game for the Thunderbirds basketball team. At Mesa Community College, Freeman was a first-team All-ACCAC selection in the 2006–07 season and averaged 16.8 points and 8.9 rebounds.{{cite web | url=http://athletics.mesacc.edu/mens-basketball/all-accacall-region-i-0 | title=MCC Sports }}{{cite web|title=Gabriel Freeman|url=http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/remaining_bios.pdf|publisher=NBA Development League|access-date=March 24, 2013}}

Professional career

Freeman signed with Correcaminos UAT Reynosa of the Mexican LNBP in 2007 and averaged 22.6 points and 8.1 rebounds in ten games.

For part of the 2008–09 season, Freeman played for the Albany Patroons in the CBA. Albany made the CBA Finals but lost to the Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry.{{cite web|last=Dyer|first=Mike|title=Patroons keep title hopes, and gabe freeman vs richard howell, and results, richard howell wins in the fight. alive|url=http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2009/02/08/sports/doc498e6f9d31209544780344.txt|work=Troy Record|access-date=March 24, 2013|date=February 8, 2009|archive-date=February 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202191710/https://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2009/02/08/sports/doc498e6f9d31209544780344.txt|url-status=dead}} In 15 games with the Patroons, he averaged 14.3 points per game and 9.7 rebounds per game.{{cite web|title=Albany Patroons Statistics thru 02/03/09|publisher=Howes Sports Data|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413030942/http://www.howesportsdata.com/howesportsdata/stats/basket/cba/infoalb.txt|archive-date=April 13, 2009|date=February 3, 2009|url=http://www.howesportsdata.com/howesportsdata/stats/basket/cba/infoalb.txt}} He wore jersey number 34.{{cite web |url=http://www.albanypats.com/patroons/freeman.html |title=<< ALBANY PATROONS CBA Basketball >> |website=www.albanypats.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113104020/http://www.albanypats.com/patroons/freeman.html |archive-date=13 January 2010 |url-status=dead}}

He was chosen by the San Miguel Beermen as an import in the middle of the 2008–09 season. He played 24 games and averaged 22.3 points, 15.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.{{Cite web |url=http://www.pba-online.net/profile/Gabriel-Freeman/199/ |title=Gabriel Freeman Player Profile :: PBA-Online! |access-date=2013-03-25 |archive-date=2013-05-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513083715/http://www.pba-online.net/profile/Gabriel-Freeman/199/ |url-status=dead }} Freeman was awarded the Best Import of the conference.[http://www.pba.com.ph/topstories/helterbrand-fiesta-bpc-anew-freeman-best-import HELTERBRAND FIESTA BPC ANEW, FREEMAN BEST IMPORT] In the following season, Freeman played 29 games for San Miguel and averaged 21.6 points, 17.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.

The Philippine Patriots of the ASEAN Basketball League signed Freeman to replace Brandon Powell in January 2010.{{cite web|title=Patriots tap services of ex-PBA best import|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/181692/sports/patriots-tap-services-of-ex-pba-best-import|publisher=GMA News|access-date=March 24, 2013|date=January 15, 2010}}{{cite web|title=Patriots look to draw 1st blood in semis duel with Dragons|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/182824/sports/patriots-look-to-draw-1st-blood-in-semis-duel-with-dragons|publisher=GMA News|access-date=March 24, 2013|date=January 30, 2010}}

He did not fail his team and with a hard-fought battle between Ginebra and their fans, he led the San Miguel franchise to its 18th championship, which was also his career first. PBA fans credited his heart and hard work as a big factor in their victory.[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/167640/Freeman-tows-Beermen-to-record-18th-PBA-crown Freeman tows Beermen to record 18th PBA crown], GMANews.tv

On July 12, 2010, Freeman signed with the Townsville Crocodiles of the NBL of Australia.{{cite web|title=Crocs call up a heavy hitter Gabe Freeman|url=http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2010/07/13/153891_sport.html|work=Townsville Bulletin|access-date=March 24, 2013|date=July 13, 2010}}

Freeman re-signed with the Philippine Patriots in December 2010.{{cite news|title=Freeman back for Philippine Patriots|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/208041/sports/freeman-back-for-philippine-patriots|date=December 10, 2010|publisher=GMA News}} In the first game of the ASEAN semifinals on January 22, 2011, Freeman scored 36 points and made 11 rebounds and 5 assists in an 88–83 victory over the KL Dragons.{{cite web|title=Gabe Freeman Leads Philippine Patriots Past KL Dragons|url=https://www.asia-basket.com/Philippines/basketball.aspx?NewsID=215480|work=Asia-basket.com|access-date=March 24, 2013|date=January 23, 2011}}

On October 21, 2011, it was announced that Freeman had made the final 12-man roster for the National Basketball League of Canada's London Lightning.{{cite web|url=http://lightningbasketball.ca/view/londonlightning/news/news_34529|title=London Lightning Official Roster Announced|access-date=2011-10-22|publisher=London Lightning|work=LightningBasketball.ca|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425083634/http://lightningbasketball.ca/view/londonlightning/news/news_34529|archive-date=2012-04-25|url-status=dead}} He wore jersey number 25. Finding immediate success with the Lightning, Freeman was named the first ever NBL Canada Player of the Week for the week ending November 6,{{cite web|url=http://lightningbasketball.ca/view/londonlightning/news/news_35740|title=Gabe Freeman Named NBL Player of the Week|access-date=2011-11-06|publisher=London Lightning|work=LightningBasketball.ca|archive-date=2012-04-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425083845/http://lightningbasketball.ca/view/londonlightning/news/news_35740|url-status=dead}} an award he would win again for the weeks ending January 1 and March 4, 2012.{{cite web |url=http://nblcanada.pointstreaksites.com/view/nblcanada/players/player-of-the-week-4 |title=NBL Canada Player Of The Week |publisher=National Basketball League of Canada |access-date=March 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326012635/http://nblcanada.pointstreaksites.com/view/nblcanada/players/player-of-the-week-4 |archive-date=March 26, 2012 }} The Lightning would go on to finish the regular season at 28–8 and gain home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

On March 14, 2012, Freeman was named the NBL Canada's inaugural Rogers Communications Most Valuable Player. More importantly, however, on March 25 he led the Lightning to a 116–92 victory over the Halifax Rainmen in a deciding Game Five of the NBL Canada Finals to win the NBL Canada's inaugural championship. In addition to his regular-season MVP award, Freeman was named the Finals' MVP.{{cite web | url=http://nblcanada.pointstreaksites.com/view/nblcanada/nbl-canada-headlines/news_46253 | title=London Lightning Named First NBL Canada Champions | publisher=National Basketball League of Canada | date=March 25, 2012 | access-date=March 25, 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131110823/http://nblcanada.pointstreaksites.com/view/nblcanada/nbl-canada-headlines/news_46253 | archive-date=January 31, 2013 }}

Freeman signed with the PBA team Barako Bull Energy on April 2, 2012.{{cite web|last=Belen|first=Reynaldo|title=Gabe Freeman to the rescue: Barako Bull taps former SMB import|url=http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/gabe-freeman-to-the-rescue-barako-bull-taps-former-smb-import|publisher=InterAKTV|access-date=March 24, 2013|date=April 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727235527/http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/gabe-freeman-to-the-rescue-barako-bull-taps-former-smb-import|archive-date=July 27, 2012|url-status=dead}} In 7 games, Freeman averaged 21.7 points, 14.0 rebounds, 2.71 assists, and 1.0 steal.

Freeman returned to the Philippine Patriots on September 18, 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.aseanbasketballleague.com/news/detail/7086/san-miguel-beermen-acquired-brian-williams-and-gabe-freeman|title=San Miguel Beermen Acquired Brian Williams And Gabe Freeman|publisher=ASEAN Basketball League|date=September 18, 2012}} In January 2013, Freeman again signed with the San Miguel Beermen.{{cite web|author=Jiminez, Bryan|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/289649/sports/basketball/abl-examining-the-2013-san-miguel-beermen-line-up|title=ABL: Examining the 2013 San Miguel Beermen line-up|publisher=GMA News|date=January 10, 2013|access-date=March 24, 2013}} On February 26, 2013, the ASEAN league suspended Freeman for a game and issued him a fine for unsportsmanlike conduct.{{cite web|title=ABL: San Miguel Beermen Gabe Freeman and Mike Burtscher sanctioned by the league|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/296737/sports/basketball/abl-san-miguel-beermen-gabe-freeman-and-mike-burtscher-sanctioned-by-the-league|publisher=GMA News|access-date=March 24, 2013|date=February 26, 2013}}{{cite web|last=Terrado|first=Reuben|title=SMB's Freeman hit with ban for role in fracas|url=http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/smbs-freeman-hit-with-ban-for-role-in-fracas|work=SPIN.ph|access-date=March 24, 2013|date=February 26, 2013}} Freeman later suffered an injury and was replaced by Justin Williams.{{cite web|last=Galvez |first=Weylon |title=Petron In Frantic Search Of Import |url=http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=3553&sid=5&subid=29 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130416060910/http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=3553&sid=5&subid=29 |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 16, 2013 |work=Manila Bulletin |access-date=March 24, 2013 |date=March 14, 2013 }}{{cite web|last=Ignacio|first=Aris|title=Justin Williams joins Beermen's lineup|url=http://basketball.asia-basket.com/ASEAN_League/news/Justin_Williams_joins_Beermens_lineup/310774|work=asia-basket.com|access-date=March 24, 2013|date=March 11, 2013}}

In 2014, a recovered Freeman played with the Rochester Razorsharks in the Premier Basketball League (PBL). He led his team to a PBL title and was named league and playoff most valuable player, with per-game averages of 19 points and 11 rebounds.{{Cite web|url=https://lfpress.com/2015/11/27/gabe-freeman-snubbed-as-not-good-enough-will-try-to-get-even|title = Gabe Freeman, snubbed as not good enough, will try to get even}}

On November 19, 2015, Freeman signed with the Saint John Mill Rats of the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL). He joined the team with returning player and former Most Valuable Player in Anthony Anderson.{{cite web |url=http://www.nblcanada.com/news/100781/mill-rats-unveil-new-logo-and-sign-two-nbl-canada-mvps |title=Mill Rats Unveil New Logo and Sign Two NBL Canada MVP's|website=NBL Canada|publisher=Saint John Mill Rats Media |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222154345/http://www.nblcanada.com/news/100781/mill-rats-unveil-new-logo-and-sign-two-nbl-canada-mvps |archive-date=December 22, 2015}}

On August 28, 2018, Freeman signed with the St. John's Edge of the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL).

Personal life

Freeman has established a foundation in London, Ontario for kids without means to play basketball. He is a mechanic and worked out of a motorcycle shop in Phoenix.