UCLA Basketball: Mick Cronin’s Recruiting Strategy Pays Off with Eric Freeny

In the past, Mick Cronin’s coaching prowess was synonymous with recruiting tough, under-the-radar prospects. His reputation as a coach of gritty, physical players was forged during his tenure at Cincinnati. Fast forward to his current role as head coach at UCLA, and Cronin has seamlessly combined that tenacity with access to a higher caliber of talent. This fusion of Cincinnati toughness and Westwood star power is exemplified by the recent signing of local 4-star guard Eric Freeny.

Key Takeaways:

• Mick Cronin brings his Cincinnati toughness to UCLA’s basketball program.
• Former UCLA star Jaylen Clark and Eric Freeny share similar characteristics as gritty, multi-faceted wings.
• Freeny, a 4-star prospect, adds to UCLA’s tradition of talented players from the Inland Empire.

Former UCLA standout Jaylen Clark, who epitomized the gritty spirit of Cincinnati, was among the first recruits Cronin brought to UCLA when he took the helm. In his quest for another versatile wing, Cronin set his sights on Eric Freeny, a player who mirrors Clark’s attributes. Hailing from the Inland Empire, Freeny, a local 4-star guard, attends the highly respected Corona Centennial High School, known for producing well-coached, fundamentally sound, and tough-as-nails players.

In a press release, Cronin shared his thoughts on Freeny, stating:

“We are thrilled to have Eric join our UCLA family. I love what Eric can add to our program. He’s talented and tough. He’s a true winner from a great high school program with an outstanding coach. ‘Free’ can shoot the ball, defend and rebound, and we do need shooting. He has proven himself on the national AAU circuit as one of the leading scorers in the country, playing for the Compton Magic. Eric cares about winning and he’s excited about becoming a Bruin. He comes from a great family, and we are all very excited to have him join us in Westwood.”

– Cronin on 4-star signee Eric Freeny

Freeny’s journey mirrored that of a true winner. Initially flying somewhat under the radar, he played a crucial role as a versatile contributor, akin to a glue guy. However, as he expanded his offensive repertoire and assumed a more significant role on the team, Freeny’s game and reputation have grown substantially.

This powerful combo guard possesses the ability to seamlessly transition between point guard and shooting guard roles. His willingness to defend larger opponents, combined with a high basketball IQ, makes him a valuable asset on the defensive end. Offensively, Freeny’s game continues to evolve, showcasing his versatility on all levels of the court, especially as a proficient three-point shooter. 247Sports recognizes his talent, ranking him as a 4-star prospect, placing him at No. 76 overall.

Eric Freeny’s commitment to UCLA continues a tradition of talented players from the Inland Empire who have donned the blue and gold. Joining the ranks of UCLA legends like Reggie Miller, Lonzo Ball, Darren Collison, and others, Freeny is poised to make his mark on the Bruins’ storied basketball history.

As of now, Eric Freeny stands as the sole signee in UCLA’s 2024 recruiting class, offering a glimpse of the promising future that awaits the Bruins’ basketball program under Mick Cronin’s leadership.

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