IOWA CITY – University of Iowa forward Owen Freeman earned his second straight Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Week honor, the announcement was made Monday by the league office. It is Freeman’s sixth recognition this season.
The Moline, Illinois, native earned the distinction after posting his third double-double in Iowa’s 94-76 victory over Nebraska on Jan. 12 in Iowa City. He scored a career-high 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for his second double-double in three games.
Freeman made a career-high 11 field goals in 13 attempts, including six dunks. His 84.6 field goal percentage is a team best this season (min. 10 makes) and the 11 field goals are tied for a team season high.
The three double-doubles are the most by a Hawkeye freshman since Luka Garza in 2017-18.
Freeman has been the Big Ten’s top freshman this season, leading the conference in points (177), rebounds (95) and blocks (30), while ranking second in steals (18) and field goal percentage (.658). His 30 blocks are tied for the most in the nation by a freshman.
The honor is Iowa’s seventh Big Ten weekly accolade this season. Freeman previous earned the distinction on Nov. 13, Nov. 20, Dec. 4, Dec. 18 and Jan. 8, while graduate Ben Krikke was the Big Ten Player of the Week on Nov. 20.
Freeman’s six Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors are 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 (10-6, 2-3) play at Minnesota on Monday at 5 p.m. (CT) inside Williams Arena. The game will be televised live on BTN.