It's been a frustrating season so far for Xavier's Zach Freemantle. It got off to a rough start with a foot injury that required surgery and sidelined the junior forward from Teaneck, New Jersey, for nearly four months, including the first six games of the season.
Since returning he's struggled to find a rhythm offensively and he's had an even harder time at the other end of the floor.
But during Saturday's win over Creighton, Freemantle played his best game of the season against a quality opponent.
It wasn't perfect. He missed some shots (6-for-16) around the rim that he's accustomed to making, but he was on the floor for 33 minutes and it was a step in the right direction.
Freemantle's defense was the most noticeable change from his recent performances. He was able to guard 7-foot-1 center Ryan Kalkbrenner and he was able to switch on ball screens and keep Creighton's guards in front of him. He also timed a Creighton pass perfectly on the perimeter, intercepted it and took it the distance for a dunk at the other end.
Xavier head coach Travis Steele said he's been talking with Freemantle about his effort and he was pleased with Freemantle's response.
"You try to put yourself in Zach's shoes. Zach's an all-league level player," said Steele. "We all know that. And listen, he missed – and people probably can't appreciate it – but when you don't do anything (in) August, September, October, November, you get thrown right back into just the middle of the fray right away and it is really difficult.
