Assistant Freeman taking new role at UConn

Kevin Freeman, one of the key members of the 1999 NCAA basketball championship team, is changing roles at UConn, stepping down as UConn’s assistant coach after one season.

According to a release, Freeman has decided to transition into a new role within the UConn division of athletics, focused on continuing to develop the National C Club, which seeks to build and foster relationships through networking, mentoring and professional experience opportunities between former and current UConn student-athletes.

“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 release. “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 Hurley and the men’s basketball staff. I also want to thank David Benedict and the UConn administration for the opportunity to remain at my alma mater and start this new experience.”

Freeman had served as the Huskies’ director of basketball administration for seven years before taking a job as assistant coach at Penn State under Pat Chambers when Dan Hurley replaced Kevin Ollie in 2018. He returned to UConn early last September.

“Kevin played a big part in the program’s step forward this season and I appreciate all his hard work, but I respect his decision to leave the coaching profession,” head coach Dan Hurley said in a release. “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 is second alltime at UConn in games

played at 140, eighth in career rebounds with 913 and 21st in points scored with 1,476. He is one four players in UConn history with at least 1,400 points and 900 rebounds. Freeman was named Most Outstanding Player as he helped lead UConn to the 1999 Big East tournament title. Freeman was named to the UConn All-Century team and played professionally for 11 years in Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. UConn was 109-32 in his four seasons as a player.

“I want thank Kevin for his hard work and dedication to our student-athletes during a season that included unprecedented challenges,” director of athletics David 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 now benefit from Kevin’s passion and high character as we continue to expand the National C Club.”

Freeman and wife Nicole are the parents of a daughter, Kekoa, and two sons, Sire and Legend.