CLASS OF: 2004
SCHOOL: Arthur Hill HS, MI
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT: 6'1
POSITION: Small Forward
03-04 RATINGS: #50 (ASGR)
02-03 RATINGS: 7th in Michigan
ACADEMICS: Yes
STATUS: Signed with Purdue
AAU TEAM: Michigan's Finest
Lakisha Freeman, a 6'1 forward from Saginaw, MI, is set to lead what is tagged the best
team in the state of Michigan in 2003-04 on a mission to a state championship. An
inside-outside player in high school, Freeman has versatile skills running Arthur Hill's
motion offense. And although she is a strong rebounder, the small forward position is
where she will make her reputation in college.
As a junior, Freeman averaged 18.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 3.1 blocks per game
for 18-5 Arthur Hill. She shot 64-percent from the field, up from 55-percent her
sophomore year. Arthur Hill's season ended in the district finals.
Arthur Hill went 19-4 her sophomore year, when she averaged 14.0 points, eight rebounds
and three blocks.
As a freshman, Freeman averaged 14.5 points and nine rebounds for 14-6 Arthur Hill.
Gave a verbal commitment to Purdue on April 19th, 2003, and signed during the early
period on November 17, 2003.
Purdue head coach Kristy Curry..."Kiki comes from a tradition-rich high school program
at Arthur Hill. She brings a combination of speed and athleticism that fits very well
into our system. We feel she has tremendous potential and that she can be a presence for
us defensively." " (November 17, 2003)
Bob Richards at the 2003 Nike Camp..."To avoid getting blinded by names, I like to refer
to players as numbers until late in the camp, so I don't have any preconceptions. I was
pleased to find out that Purdue recruit LaKisha Freeman was No. 42 when I finally matched
the numbers to the names. She is always around the ball on offense and defense. She has a
defensively solid all-around game, but impressed me guarding forwards driving into the paint.
She can stay on your hip and blocks quite a few shots by smothering the shot, not swatting
at it. Doesn't hesitate on offense and knows what to do with the ball when she gets it. A
good example was a bobbled pass she received in the corner. It is frustrating to see
players think only of recovering the ball, which tends to pin them in the corner, trapped
by the defense. Freeman scooped the ball off the floor, did an instant 360 degree spin
down the baseline for a lay-up. The lack of hesitation leads me to believe she has had some
good coaching in the past." (July 31, 2003)
Capri Small at the 2003 Nike Camp..."Can play a physical game but has a surprisingly
soft touch around the basket. A six-foot player who can legitimately drive the lane and
pass like a guard." (July 31, 2003)
Arthur Hill head coach Vonnie Kilmer..."Her stronger points are her athletic ability
and her mid-range game. I think it's a steal for Purdue because she's a talented kid.
She's a finesse player and plays pretty solid defense." (Journal and Courier - April
20, 2003)
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