Freeman steps down as an assistant coach
He will stay at school as part of C Club program
Kevin Freeman is leaving his job as a UConn men’s basketball assistant coach but will transition to a new role within the UConn division of athletics, the university announced Friday.
Freeman, 43, will focus on developing the National C Club, a program that builds and fosters relationships between former and current UConnstudent-athletes through networking, mentoring and professional job opportunities.
As a UConn player, Freemanhelped the Huskies win their first championship in 1999 under Jim Calhoun. Hewas later on Kevin Ollie’s staff as assistant director of
basketball operations and later as director of administration. After a stint as an assistant coach at Penn State, he returned to his alma mater last season to work for Dan Hurley.
When he joined Hurley’s coaching staff, he expressed a desire to stay a long time. On Friday, Freeman said he wants to devote more time to his family, his wife Nicole, daughter Kekoa and sons Sire and Legend.
“I have been part of a coaching staff for the past 10 years, and I am extremely appreciative of the opportunities I have been given,” Freeman said in a statement released by UConn. “But at this time, I have decided that a lifestyle change is what’s needed to spend more time with my young family. I want to thank Coach [Dan] Hurley andthemen’s basketball staff. I also wantto thank [AD] David Benedict and the UConn administration for the opportunity to remain at my alma mater and start this new experience.”
Hurley credits Freeman for playing a big part in the program’s step forward this season.
“I appreciate all his hard work, but I respect his decision to leave the coaching profession,” Hurley said. “I am thrilled that he will be staying at the university in a different capacity and will still be able to interact with our student-athletes and have a positive impact on their lives.”
Freeman, who grew up in the Springfield area, was the MostOutstanding Player when the Huskies won the 1999 Big East Tournament. UConnwas109-32during his playing career.
“I want thank Kevin for his hard work and dedication to our student-athletes during a season that included unprecedented challenges,” Benedict said. “I understand his desire to pursue a new opportunity and am pleased that Kevin has decided to accept a different position within our department. UConn student-athletes throughout our department, and alumni around the world, will nowbenefit from Kevin’s passion and high character as we continue to expand the National CClub.”