Freeman estimates he is at least two weeks away from being ready to see any game action.
“I’m an impatient guy, but I have to be smart about it,’’ Freeman said Wednesday. “I have to trust what the medical people tell me, and when (longtime Iowa assistant athletic trainer) John Streif tells me I can go, that’s when I’ll go.’’
Four weeks ago today,
Freeman fractured the fifth metatarsal in his left foot during an exhibition game against Simpson College. A pin was inserted in the foot the next day, and the initial prognosis was that Freeman would be sidelined 4-to-6 weeks.
“They say I’ve got about two more weeks. The process is going steady. I’ve been doing some shooting and I’ve done so many pool workouts I feel like Michael Phelps,’’ said Freeman, adding that he prefers getting back to work on the court to pursuing an Olympic future in the swimming pool.
Wednesday was the first day Freeman was allowed to run on the court. While his teammates prepared for Friday’s game against Louisiana-Monroe, Freeman worked out for an hour.
He worked on some side-to-side moves, worked through a ball-handling drill, walked the steps at Carver-Hawkeye Arena and spent time running and jumping underneath a basket.
Iowa coach Todd Lickliter says Freeman is making steady progress.
“We don’t want him to push it. We want him to be healed and healthy when he returns,’’ Lickliter said. “He’s in good hands.’’
Freeman says he has eliminated thoughts of any possibility of redshirting this season.
“I worked hard all spring and summer to get ready for this season, and when the injury happened it was difficult to deal with,’’ said Freeman, who averaged 7.5 points a year ago. “Right now, I’m just looking forward to getting back on the court.’’
His teammates are ready for Freeman’s return.
“When Tony comes back, it will help me and it will help the entire team,’’ freshman guard Jeff Peterson said. “It’s added some stress with him out, but we’re doing what we can. Tony can create, defend, rebound, everything. We all look forward to getting him back.’’
Lickliter envisions Freeman and Peterson working as part of the same backcourt as the Hawkeyes season progresses.
It’s a role both players welcome and a day Freeman anxiously anticipates.
“Jeff’s been doing a great job. It’s tough when you’re a freshman. I went through it, too, but he’s learning, and he’ll be fine,’’ Freeman said.
“Right now, it just feels good to put the practice jersey on again and get out here. I’m looking forward to doing some ball-handling drills and running a bit. That tells me I’m getting closer. When it’s time, I’ll be ready.’’
Steve Batterson can be contacted at (563) 383-2290 or sbatterson@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com.
