With head coach, Mike DeGeorge, who spent much of his early coaching days in the Midwest, Cal Poly has continued to recruit the region hard. This paid off on Monday evening with a commitment from Braden Freeman, a 6’6” wing of Moline High School (IL) and MidPro Academy.
The commitment comes after Cal Poly had offered Freeman back in early August. He then took an official visit out west to Cal Poly just over a week ago. “It was an amazing experience. I had never been out to Cali before, and it was awesome,” Freeman had previously said. On why he committed so soon after the visit, he stated “I knew after that God put them in my path, and if it’s in his will than it’s for me.”
On why he chose Cal Poly over his other options, Freeman stated, “The coaches, environment, the energy, and the fact I’m going to make an impact from the start.” Emporia State, Illinois-Springfield, Incarnate Word, and Rockhurst had all also offered him.
“I see it fitting really well they play the game fast and position less so it’s perfect,” Freeman said about his future playing for the division one program that is a member of the Big West Conference. Cal Poly is landing one of the most versatile players in Illinois’ 2025 class. Freeman has good size on the wings at 6’6” in addition to being a three-level scorer and ability to defend both guards and forwards.
From the MidPro Academy 2025 team, Leshawn Stowers also announced his commitment on Monday, picking Miami of Ohio. Also from the team, Matthew Zobrist committed to Bradley back in July.