CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Latest on the Atlantic Coast Conference’s preseason media day for men’s basketball (all times local):
10:55 a.m.
North Carolina State forward Lennard Freeman says is eager to play again, even with a 14-inch rod in his right leg.
Freeman said Wednesday at ACC media day that he is pain-free now and has been conscious not to push himself too hard during the opening weeks of practice to ensure he stays healthy.
The Wolfpack’s fifth-year senior redshirted last year after reinjuring a stress fracture in his shin. He needed a second surgery to remove a previously installed rod and replace it with a new one.
The injury had him limping around in limited minutes during the 2015-16 season.
First-year coach Kevin Keatts will need the 6-foot-8 forward to provide rebounding and interior toughness.
As for the rod, Freeman says he has two of them, ”one in my leg and one in my room I’m keeping.”
—
2:30 a.m.
The Atlantic Coast Conference is aiming to extend one of the most successful runs in its recent history.
The 15-team league holds its preseason media day Wednesday in Charlotte, North Carolina. League coaches and players will discuss the upcoming 2017-18 season, which follows the ACC claiming a second national championship in three years.
The ACC also posted a record nine NCAA Tournament bids last year, nearing its post-expansion goal of reaching double figures.
Duke is a contender to be the preseason ACC favorite with senior Grayson Allen’s return and the arrival of a heralded recruiting class. Reigning national champion North Carolina will rely on an experienced backcourt, while Notre Dame returns a candidate for player of the year in senior Bonzie Colson.
—
More AP college basketball: http://collegebasketball.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-Top25
25% Bonus via Western Union
