Canton newspaper talks up Frease

[Mr. Neutral]

http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?ID=4 ... tegoryID=0

FREASE STARTS STRONG

Xavier University freshman Kenny Frease, a 7-footer from Perry High School, is off to a strong start in Puerto Rico. Xavier is in the championship game tonight of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off against Memphis.

Frease is averaging 7.5 points a game and six rebounds in about 18 minutes of action a game. In the semifinals against Virginia Tech, Frease played key minutes in a 63-62 overtime win on a halfcourt shot.

Frease didn't play like an inexperienced freshman late in regulation. He drilled a pair of free throws despite being just 53 percent from the line coming in. With two seconds left in regulation, Frease stepped up and took a charge in a tie game. That sent it to overtime.

Frease hit one of two free throws in overtime to tie the game. Xavier Head Coach Sean Miller subbed Frease out on defense late in the game. Frease finished with 9 points and hit 5-of-6 foul shots.

Fran Fraschilla, who coached at New Mexico and St. John's, was the color analyst for ESPNU during the Friday afternoon semifinal. Fraschilla loved Frease, particularly a little right-handed hook shot in the paint just before halftime.

"Kenny Frease just showed glimpses of greatness," Fraschilla said.

Tonight's game tips off at 7:30 on ESPN2.