Sept. 26, 2014

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – Robin Freeman, an Ohio State men’s basketball legend who lettered from 1954-56, died Tuesday. He was 80.

“The Ohio State basketball family is saddened to learn about the passing of one of our pioneers and most successful Buckeyes,” Thad Matta, head coach of the Buckeyes, said. “Robin Freeman left his mark at Ohio State in numerous ways as a player in the 1950s. I’ve had the great pleasure of speaking with him several times over the last 10 years. He was a true Buckeye and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

One of Ohio State’s 1,000-point scorers, Freeman, in just three years, scored 1,597 points. He tallied 723 points as a senior in 1956. He twice averaged more than 30 points in a season, a career-high 32.9 points per game in his final season and 31.5 points per game as a junior, all without the benefit of a 3-point shot.

His 723 points, in just 22 games, as a senior ranks No. 4 all-time in single-season scoring at Ohio State. His career scoring average of 28.0 points per game ranks No. 1 in Ohio State history, as does the 32.9 points per game for the season in 1955-56.

From the foul line, Freeman’s total of 411 made foul shots ranks No. 4 all-time in the Ohio State records book. He made 205 as a senior, which is tied for the No. 2 spot with the late Brent Darby for most foul shots made in a single season. Darby accomplished the feat in 2003. Freeman was a career 80 percent shooter from the foul line (411-512) and led the Buckeyes from the line all three years of his career.

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Freeman, who was born in 1934, appeared in 57 games in an Ohio State uniform. He earned All-America honors as a junior and senior and pioneered the jump shot in his offensive repertoire.

Freeman was the Chicago Tribune Big Ten MVP as senior and twice earned All-Big Ten honors (1955, 1956).

He frequently attended the annual dinner for Ohio State former players hosted by Matta. He was in attendance most recently when Matta welcomed basketball alumni Sept. 12 at Value City Arena.