Once he's in the paint, you may as well get back on defence.
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Mittagong-based basketball player, Brandon Freire has just signed with American College, Saint Martin's located in Lacey, Washington.
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Freire standing at 2.03 metres has adapted to the modern-day big man role and can shoot the three, play in the post, has a lovely mid-range turnaround jump shot and can defend, which makes him a very versatile asset for any team.
"I typically play power forward but I can be switched around a bit," Freire said.
"I think getting my teammates involved and making them better is my greatest attribute.
"I think everyone performs better when they're enjoying themselves, so that's what I try to do."
Following teams such as the Illawarra Hawks and the Minnesota Timberwolves, the love for the game was instilled into Freire with a mentor and coach who saw his potential and opened many doors for him.
"When I was in primary school one of the teachers, John Hargreaves, used to run basketball skills sessions after school," Freire said.
"He was the reason why I got into rep basketball with Illawarra. He has also coached me at state level where we won a national championship together and he is still my coach now with the Illawarra youth league team.
"So he is a massive reason why I have the opportunity to go to college in the U.S."
Signing with Saint Martin's University wasn't an overnight decision for Freire. But he knew in his heart where he needed to be.
"There were a few schools that floated in and out of interest," Freire said.
"But Saint Martin's always stood out to me.
"The basketball program has performed extremely well in the last few years and they offered the degree that I am interested in.
"Once I signed the contract, I felt as if I had achieved something that I have been working towards ever since I was 14 and all the hard work had paid off."
Classes start on August 26 for Freire. A personal one-on-one conversation with his future coach sealed the deal.
"I had a phone call with the head coach after he had offered the spot," Freire said.
"I told him that I wanted to be a Saint. After that, the first people I called were my parents and sister."
The American college system showcases some of the finest U.S upcoming basketball talent. The best of the best that are hungry for a future in the game will be facing Freire and he's already preparing for that challenge.
"There will be a transition I will have to make going over to play in the college system," Freire said.
"They are quicker and more athletic compared to Australian players, so being able to adjust and defend them will be a challenge.
"Leading up to leaving I'm just trying to get in better physical shape, but I will only know exactly what I need to do when I get over there."
Once I signed the contract, I felt as if I had achieved something that I have been working towards ever since I was 14.
- Brandon Freire
Looking back on his sporting achievements that has led Freire to this point in his life, he is very proud of the work he accomplished while on Australian soil.
"Apart from signing with Saint Martin's, I would say my most fond accomplishments in basketball would be being named in the All-Australian Schoolboy team for both 2017 and 2018," Freire said.
An american college is the best way to be seen by scouts in any of the basketball codes around the world.
Basketball may be Freire's passion but he understands to make that professional leap can be extremely difficult.
"Ultimately my aim was to use the basketball to get a degree and that is my goal while I'm over there," Freire said.
"If there was an opportunity to play professionally after I got my degree that would be fantastic, but I haven't really put much thought into anything but my college career and the academics."
