Hasn't been much talk about this but I have a feeling he could be a guy on Frank's radar for one of these open ships.
Asprilla Leaves FIU, Exploring Options
May 4, 2009
By: Tropics Staff
Freddy Asprilla, the 2009 Sun Belt Conference Rookie of the Year, has submitted his paperwork to Florida International University and withdrawn from the school. Asprilla completed his second semester with exams two weeks ago, huddled with his parents in Columbia and guardian in the states, Pilin Alvarez, and made the decision it was in his best interest to move on from the university.
Asprilla had a stellar first season with the Golden Panthers, averaging 17.3 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, and was named a Second Team All Conference selection. Playing the year with a herniated disk in his back, Asprilla missed 7 conference tilts so by rule, was not allowed to be ranked in the conference statistical categories. Had he been, his 17.3 points would have had him 4th in the scoring race and his 11.4 rebounds would have ranked him first, by over 3 rebounds a game. Considering the fact that Player of the Year, Orlando Mendez-Valdez of Western Kentucky, finished 6th in scoring and 5th in assists, Asprilla should have been a prime candidate for that award as well.
The native Colombian has returned to his country for a brief vacation, while weighing the opportunities that have presented themselves to him.
He currently has two offers to play overseas, immediately, which could be an option if he doesn't find the right fit at a university in the United States. Asprilla is trying to get a feel for which schools would offer him the best situation to finish his collegiate career.
"I came to FIU to play with Josue, we played together with the Tropics and found a real comfort level, but when he left to go back and play in Puerto Rico I didn't want to stay either," said Asprilla.
Josue is point guard Josue Soto who transferred to FIU from FSU, but only played in 13 games after breaking his wrist prior to the start of the season. He still averaged 11.0 points and 3.3 assists a game but with the release of the entire coaching staff after the season, decided to return to his native country and turn professional.
Asprilla had also settled in with Coach Sergio Rouco and his staff and didn't feel comfortable with the program's hiring of ex-NBA star Isiah Thomas. Asprilla laughed when asked about Thomas saying, "I never saw him play and don't know much about him. I know he has a big name and has brought a lot of attention to FIU, but we could have done that by winning more games, too!"
Asprilla said he would like to return to finish his collegiate eligibility, but in the right situation. "My parents would love to see me get a college diploma so I hope it can be worked out with another school whose style includes getting the ball to the post. I want the ball in my hands so I can help my team win." Freddy has been sending out feelers to see which schools on his list would consider bringing him in for his final three years of eligibility.
Whoever pulls this one off is going to get one of the top big men, IN THE COUNTRY! Asprilla toyed with the bigs in the Sunbelt Conference scoring his 17 points with an average of only 10 shots a game. He still has a major upside but already has a variety of low post moves. His footwork in the block is second to none and his ability to pass may be his best asset.
"Freddy is a monster," said Art Alvarez, Asprilla's guardian, AAU coach and the one responsible for bringing him to the states from Colombia, "he just dominates the paint like the great ones. When he played with O.J. Mayo for our Tropics' team, O.J. told me he was the best big guy he had played with and he was going to be a great one. He's well on his way!"
When asked about the recruiting process for Freddy, Alvarez responded, "We will contact a number of schools, make a list, and go from there. It's just like his recruitment the first time around. Everybody wanted him then, and I am sure they will again, especially with what he has accomplished, already."
