Four-star talks Rutgers commitment

The Rutgers men's basketball team landed a four-star recruit today, who could provide some immediate help next season in the Big Ten. Today, forward Deshawn Freeman of Hutchinson Junior College in Hutchinson, Kans., announced his plans to join the Scarlet Knight program in the class of 2015.

Freeman mentioned why he opted to spend his future as a Scarlet knight.

"It was the coaches. They are great coaches. Coach Eddie Jordan, when he was art the Washington Wizards, I basically knew a lot about him because at the time he was there, they were my favorite team and Gilbert Arenas was my favorite player.

"When I went on my visit, me and coach Jordan shared a few good moments about when he was at the Washington Wizards. He was kind of telling me things that were happening and what was going on. When I was at Rutgers, I enjoyed meeting the teammates who were there. I felt like that was the best move to go where I will be happy. I kind of felt like I could relate to coach Jordan and the rest of the staff there."

Early playing time was also a factor in Freeman's decision.

"Bring a JuCo player, you only have two years left to play, so that was one of the biggest things about me going somewhere," Freeman said. "I want to play right away. Other schools said I would play right away as well, but I felt comfortable with coach Jordan. That played a big role in me coming there."

Freeman will be eligible to play at Rutgers this season, but does not have an exact arrival date just yet.

"I am not sure about that. I have to talk with coach about later today about that," said Freeman, who is originally from North Carolina. "It is going to be kind of different living in New Jersey, but I just have to adjust to it.

"I am ready for it. I think I will do good in the Big Ten. I just have to actually put in more work when I come to Rutgers. I have to get stronger than what I am now. But I am ready for it."

Freeman said he recently measured in at 6-foot-8, 225 pounds and offered a preview of what Rutgers fans will see out of him when he takes the court.

"I am a really good defensive player. I can block shots whenever I want to. I can score around the rim. I am also a really good teammate. I like to get my teammates involved and I pass the ball really well. I have also been working on my shooting and that is getting better."

Freeman's recruitment was a rather busy one and now that it is behind him, he can breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to his future.

"I felt like a huge weight on me at first. I had schools calling me left and right. A lot of people were telling me a lot of different things but now that it's all done, I feel a lot better."