Basketball offers an opportunity to escape the wretched realities of life and offers hope for a ticket to a better world for some in the inner city, but, more often than not, that dream is rarely fulfilled. One of the greatest moments in the 2024 NBA draft came with the 50th pick when Enrique Freeman was drafted by the Indiana Pacers. Freeman was a great player at St. Martin dePorres High School, a Cristo Rey school where students attend school four days out of the week and work one day for their education.
His mother, Tonya, was a Cleveland Police officer who worked there. The school is nestled in the heart of a community that has seen its share of adversity in old Slovenian village in the St. Clair Superior area. There are boarded up shops and stores, boarded up drug den houses, a tough part of town that is trying to make a comeback and St Martin dePorres is a light helping to guide the way.
Enrique’s high school coach, Ryan Schneider, is a gifted motivator who encouraged others to take another look at Freeman who not only had athletic skills, but is a kind soul and a uniquely determined young man whose leadership made other people better in the classroom and on the court. The coach spoke about his character and work ethic which were second to none he’d ever encountered.
Enrique attended the University of Akron on a full ride academic scholarship. He decided to try his hand at college hoops and walked on to the Zips court and dazzled the coaches. Akron, part of the Mac conference had its struggles. It was never a contender and was rarely able to make it to the NCAA tournament and was overshadowed by the likes of Butler and Kent.
Once again, Enrique became a leader. He grew six inches, worked on his game, and turned the program around making them a contender as he became a senior. He was red-shirted due to the covid situation but continued to shine in the classroom earning his Masters degree in Business. When Enrique made it to the NCAA tournament with his team, he arrived at his alma mater St. Martin dePorres to “pick up his mother from work.” A drumline, students, faculty and staff awaited him at the door cheering his success. He was overwhelmed by the love.
A few weeks ago, teachers and staff gathered in the same commons to watch the draft as we learned there were calls from multiple teams who were interested in drafting him. We munched on pizza, wings, drank pop and beer, as we waited and watched as other players were taken. There were heart wrenching stories of players from other countries being selected who came from poverty and attained the American dream of being considered for the NBA and playing with the best players in the world. Commentators were keeping their eye on Bronny James, Jr. the son of the all-time leader in points for the NBA and one of the greatest players ever, Lebron James.
Bronny, who faced his own adversity when he collapsed on the court while playing for USC, was an interesting story. James struggled for his life and they weren’t sure if he would ever be able to play again. Like others in this draft, his story tugs at the heartstrings. Knowing Enrique’s story personally, though, and the little press he received, it was a bit off putting, as I was reminded that there are bigger stories out there to inspire the masses. Here’s Enrique, a kid who lost friends to gun violence and gangs, who fought his way through life the hard way, but kept his goals in sight and kept his nose clean, but there was no mention of him. Had he lived, Tamir Rice, a 14 year old black boy who was killed four years earlier by a Cleveland Policeman when the officer mistook the toy gun for a real gun, would’ve graduated the same year as Enrique. There was no mention of him by broadcasters who had others on the board and were talking about possible picks ahead of him.
When Enrique’s name was called, the staff erupted with joy. Many a tear was shed. Not just because we were happy for Enrique, but we knew we were sitting in a place of promise. The hard work, the daily sad stories of students fighting through adversities most people only see on the silver screen. This Horatio Alger tale that’s been playing out right before our eyes for the last four years inspired more shots of adrenalin than a strong dose of epinephrine. A commentator finally noted “it’s the best story in the draft.”
Only ten players have made it to the NBA from Cleveland in the last 50 years and Enrique is one of them. He is the first player since 1982 to make it from the Akron Zips and only one other Cristo Rey student has made it to the show.
Enrique is the first one to tell you he owes so much to St. Martin dePorres and his teachers in CMSD. As educators we are always looking for a model to help us show possibilities to our students. When students can see someone successful who looks like them, they have a model who can inspire them to be better.
Enrique’s story will be used in the classroom and the story of our school. One bright light can open a world of possibilities for those who live in darkness. Enrique has been that person who has inspired others to see what can happen if you are optimistic, play by the rules and care, and it won’t stop there. His humble nature points to the fact that he will be there for his brothers and sisters in years to come and will continue to inspire our students to be their best selves. He’s one to watch.
spirit beat 