Creighton scores in portal with ex-Big Ten freshman of year Freeman and high-scoring Graves

Former Iowa forward Owen Freeman, the 2023-24 Big Ten freshman of the year, has signed with Creighton
Iowa forward Owen Freeman (32) drives on Iowa forward Payton Sandfort (20) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

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Iowa forward Owen Freeman (32) drives on Iowa forward Payton Sandfort (20) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Former Iowa forward Owen Freeman, the 2023-24 Big Ten freshman of the year, has signed with Creighton.

The 6-foot-10 Freeman averaged 16.7 points and 6.7 rebounds in 19 starts this season for the Hawkeyes before missing the final two months following finger surgery. He shot 63.8% from the field and blocked 35 shots. Freeman has two years of eligibility remaining.

“He is a proven scorer at the high major level and is only scratching the surface in terms of his potential,” Creighton coach Greg McDermott said. “Our offense will allow his versatility to be on full display. We can’t wait to have him in a Bluejay uniform.”

The Bluejays also secured a transfer from Nik Graves, a junior guard who averaged 17.5 points a game this season with Charlotte.

Former Georgia Tech starter Naithan George, one of the top points guards in the NCAA transfer portal, told ESPN on Friday that he's committed to Syracuse.

George, who led the Atlantic Coast Conference in assists this season, said he chose the Orange over a list of schools that include North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Stanford. He averaged 12.3 points, 6.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds as a sophomore.

Also Friday, former Minnesota forward Frank Mitchell signed with St. Bonaventure. Mitchell averaged 4.9 points and 4.7 rebounds for the Golden Gophers this season. He finished with two double-doubles in his last three games with Minnesota.

Prior to Minnesota, Mitchell spent a year at Canisius, where he averaged 12.1 points and 11.6 boards. He began his college career at Humber College in Toronto, where he helped lead the Hawks to the 2022 CCAA National Championship and the 2022 OCAA Provincial Championship. He sat out the 2022-23 season under NCAA transfer rules.

In women's college basketball, Louisville added former Arizona guard Skylar Jones. The 6-foot Jones averaged 10.3 points and 1.6 steals as a sophomore for the Wildcats this season.

“She’s a playmaker on both ends of the floor, and her energy, toughness, and skill set will be a great addition to our team," Louisville coach Jeff Walz said.

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Wisconsin guard John Tonje, center left, shoots while Minnesota forward Frank Mitchell (00) jumps to block during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)

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Duke guard Tyrese Proctor guards Georgia Tech guard Naithan George during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament, Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

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Wisconsin guard Kamari McGee (4) drives toward the hoop while Minnesota forward Frank Mitchell (00) defends during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)

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