As Xavier Nation awaits Richard Pitino's arrival and a new beginning for the Xavier story, we would be remiss to forget Zach Freemantle, a true Xavier man who was loyal to the soil.
[/size]
As we all know Zach Freemantle had an impressive basketball career at Xavier University. He joined the Xavier Musketeers in 2019 and was a key player ever since. Free has achieved several accolades, including being named to the Big East All-Freshman Team in his first season and earning Second-Team All-Big East honors multiple times. He also won the Big East Co-Most Improved Player Award in 2021.
He has also made history by recording one of the few triple-doubles in Xavier's history. November 15, 2022: He recorded that triple-double with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win against Fairfield, becoming one of only four Xavier players to achieve this feat.
Some of his BE games included January 7, 2023: He delivered a season-high 29 points and 11 rebounds in a victory against Villanova, earning him Big East Player of the Week honors. January 21, 2023: Freemantle tied his career-high with 30 points, along with 11 rebounds and 7 assists, in a dominant performance against Georgetown. A we all remember his storied games against Seton Hall as Zach Freemantle's presence has often been impactful in these matchups, whether through his on-court contributions or as a key figure in the team's dynamics.
Freemantle faced challenges, such as injuries that sidelined him for the 2023-24 season, but he returned strong for his fifth season. Recently, he made NCAA basketball history by playing in his first NCAA Tournament win after a gap of 1961 days since his debut for Xavier3. His resilience and contributions have been vital to Xavier's success, including their thrilling comeback win against Texas in the NCAA Tournament.
Zach Freemantle has had some notable moments in games against opponents and this includes the University of Cincinnati in the Crosstown Shootout rivalry, December 14, 2024: Freemantle scored 18 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists in a tightly contested game. Unfortunately, Xavier lost to Cincinnati 68-65. Unfortunately, during that 2024 game, Freemantle suffered a lower-body injury late in the second half while attempting to deflect a pass. Despite the injury, he continued to play through the final minutes, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to the team
Zach Freemantle has had an impressive career at Xavier University, showcasing his skills as a forward. Here are some of his career stats:
Points per game (PPG): 12.9
Rebounds per game (RPG): 6.6
Assists per game (APG): 1.6
Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 51.3%
Three-Point Percentage (3P%): 33.6%
Free Throw Percentage (FT%): 69.7%
Zach Freemantle has faced several injuries during his basketball career at Xavier University, which have impacted his playing time and performance:
2021-22 Season: Freemantle missed the first six games due to a foot injury.
2023: He underwent season-ending foot surgery, which sidelined him for Xavier's run to the Sweet 16.
2024 Crosstown Shootout: Mentioned above
These injuries have tested his resilience, but he has consistently demonstrated determination and commitment to his team.
Zach got recruited by a coach who wasn’t here when he arrived, stayed through a coaching change, and stayed even when I’m sure more money in the NIL era. Zach has expressed his feelings in a parting note to Xavier and the fans.
This year, Freemantle played in his first NCAA tournament game. Had the go-ahead basket, the free throws to ice the game, and the celebratory dunk.
AS HE LEAVES XAVIER
THIS FAN WANTS HIM TO KNOW WE KNOW HE WAS LOYAL TO THE SOIL AND WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS
