Freshman forward Owen Freeman has been a bright spot in what could be a down year for the Iowa basketball team. The six-10 native of Moline is averaging better than 10 points and nearly six rebounds and also leads the team with 30 blocked shots. He has been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week five times this season.

That’s Iowa coach Fran McCaffery who says Freeman’s success begins with his work ethic.

The Hawkeyes are 9-6 overall and 1-3 in the Big Ten. The host Nebraska Friday night.