Hampton University Freeman returning to form

It wasn't that Mike Freeman was ineffective for Hampton University early this season — he just wasn't as dominant. This led to rumblings of a sophomore slump for the 6-foot-8 forward, who was last season's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rookie of the year.

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Photo: 6-8 Sophomore power forward Michael Freeman is a man among boys in the MEAC.

Has anyone checked the Hampton University basketball roster lately. It looks like an NBA roster with a five player practice squad, totalling 19 active players. By comparison, Florida A&M has only 12 scholarship players. Who's advising the Pirates athletic department--Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys?

Seriously, Hampton has put together a team that has all the potential of a mid-major powerhouse, with only four seniors on the roster. With three 6-10 guys, a 6-8 and 6-9 forward, the Pirates have the size and talent to go deep within the NCAA Tournament. But, their greatest difficulty is playing the peewee teams like FAMU and other MEAC clubs that specialize in small ball.

Until Hampton learns to cope with this irritating form of basketball, Coach Kevin Nickelberry and team will be siting at home watching the NCAAs like the rest of us and the MEAC in '08.

-beepbeep