IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa forward Owen Freeman has been named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week, it was announced Monday by the league office. The honor is Freeman’s fifth of the season.
The Moline, Illinois, native earned the distinction after averaging 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks, while shooting 75 percent from the field during two Big Ten games against No. 21 Wisconsin and Rutgers.
Freeman opened the week by posting his second double-double, finishing with 14 points and a career-high 13 rebounds in Madison. He made 7-of-9 field goals and finished with three blocks in a career-high 37 minutes. He became the first Hawkeye freshman since Luka Garza to post multiple double-doubles.
In Iowa’s win over Rutgers, Freeman made 5-of-7 field goals and 5-of-6 free throws to finish with 15 points and four rebounds, helping head coach Fran McCaffery to his school record 127th career Big Ten victory. He also had two blocks, moving into the top eight in program history by an Iowa freshman.
Through his first 15 collegiate games, Freeman has been the top freshmen in the conference, leading the league in points (155), rebounds (85) and blocks (30), while ranking second in steals (17) and field goal percentage (.633).
The honor is Iowa’s sixth Big Ten weekly accolade this season. Freeman previously earned the honor on Nov. 13, Nov. 20, Dec. 4 and Dec. 18, while graduate Ben Krikke was the Big Ten Player of the Week on Nov. 20.
Freeman’s five Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors are tied for the ninth-most in league history. They are the most accolades since Nebraska’s Bryce McGowens was honored seven times during the 2021-22 season.
The Hawkeyes (9-6, 1-3) return to action Friday, hosting Nebraska at 8:30 p.m. (CT) on Mediacom Court inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
