Former pro basketball player comes home to talk about hoops with youth at STCC

Kevin Freeman, left, with participants in the College for Kids "Basketball and Physics" program at STCC.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – During his professional basketball career, Kevin Freeman played the game in far-off places, from the Philippines, to Greece to Mexico. It was no doubt a thrill for him to globe-trot, but on a recent summer day, he was happy to be on a court at Springfield Technical Community College, in the city where he was born.

Freeman was a special guest during the Basketball and Physics weeklong program for youth in their early teens, which is part of the College for Kids summer program at STCC. College for Kids is still accepting registration for other programs scheduled in July and August.

“For me it’s important to come back to Springfield. I grew up down the street,” Freeman said from the gymnasium at STCC. “I’m an Eastern Ave. kid. I spent time in this gym working out.”

Freeman said he was impressed with STCC’s program, which connects basketball drills with academics. Taught by the staff from 413 Skills and Drills, the program exposes participants to how mathematical concepts affect the game.

“I saw the academic tie in. I thought it was a great event that STCC is hosting,” Freeman said. “I try to be a positive inspiration. I didn’t always have that growing up, so I want to give that piece back.”

Freeman on July 22 spoke with the camp attendees about his career in basketball. He was a starter on the University of Connecticut’s first NCAA championship team. Following the Huskies' championship year, Freeman was named to the USA men's basketball team at the 1999 World University Games in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. He played professionally for 11 years in several countries. He served on the UConn basketball coaching staff.

In his current role leading UConn’s National C Club, Freeman devotes most of his time to mentoring youth, fostering relationships through networking and creating opportunities for student athletes. Freeman also established The Kevin Freeman Basketball Academy this year.

Freeman offered advice on ways to develop as a basketball player, urging young people to create and stick to workout routines. He reminded them to always keep their academic pursuits as their top priority.

Several of the youth at the camp said they dream of one day playing for the NBA or making a career in sports.

“The reason I’m here today is to talk about dreaming,” Freeman said. “When I was coming up, I wanted to be a professional basketball player. That’s everybody’s dream who plays basketball.”

To make the dream come true, Freeman told the young people they need to stay focused and avoid negative influences. He said when he was growing up he made sure to avoid people around him who were part of gangs or using drugs.

I thought it was a great event that STCC is hosting. I try to be a positive inspiration. I didn’t always have that growing up, so I want to give that piece back. Kevin Freeman, Former pro basketball player who spoke at STCC

“For me my focus day in and day out was how do I get to become the best middle school player, high school player, and then get on to college,” Freeman said. “It started with my social life. You’ve got to keep that in order. I don’t know what you want to be – a doctor, teacher or a lawyer – if there’s anything positive you aspire to be, there’s going to be negative people around you trying to take that from you. Whatever you aspire to be, you’ve got to keep that carrot in front of you.”

Lidya Rivera-Early, director of Community Engagement at STCC, thanked Freeman for speaking at STCC and said his talk was engaging and inspiring.

“Everyone in our College for Kids basketball and physics program was looking forward to his visit,” Rivera-Early said. “They had a chance to hear from a positive role model, someone who grew up here, stayed focused on his dreams and went on to have an incredible career. I think the kids could apply his advice to whatever they are focused on doing – whether it’s sports or pursuing a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) or a health field. STCC is a great place for them, because we help students make their dreams come true.”

The kids enrolled in the program said they took Freeman’s comments to heart as they went back to shooting hoops on the STCC court.

The participants said they were thrilled to be at STCC playing basketball during the week, especially after being cooped up for a year due to the pandemic.

Skye Andrews of Springfield said of the basketball and physics program: “I like it. We’re learning every day, and getting better”

Another participant, Julian Chatman, of Springfield, said he dreams of one day playing for the Boston Celtics and thinks the STCC basketball program for kids is a perfect place for him this summer.

“It’s an honor to be able to play basketball here all week,” Julian said. “It’s an honor to be able to work with everybody. Just seeing everybody here playing basketball and having fun is truly amazing.”

Brandon McCloud Jr., of East Longmeadow, said, “It was inspirational. I liked everything he said. It was really nice.”

Brandon said he’s focused on going to college, but added, “I think I can keep on going on to the NBA.”

To find out more about upcoming College for Kids programs, visit stcc.edu/kids or contact Lidya Rivera-Early at lmearly@stcc.edu.

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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