Decemer 21, 2009
Many sides to Eberhardt
Talk with Bellarmine Prep’s Freddie Eberhardt for a while and it soon becomes apparent that there is a sense of unselfish concern for others emanating from him. Granted, don’t count basketball opponents as recipients of such a personal trait while matching up with the 6-foot-4 207 pounder -- at least not until the game is over.
Watch for Eberhardt this season
A high school senior, Eberhardt already possesses a vision -- his plans for after college: "I like helping people and I can’t stand injustice so once I graduate I want to go to law school. I feel if everybody does some good then the world will be a better place."
Then consider the moment Eberhardt views as his best basketball memory: "A few days ago during a game, I blocked a shot and I was furthest from the ball as it was going out of bounds. I ran over, grabbed it and threw the ball over my head to a teammate who then went down the court and dunked it."
For the tone deaf, note that his favorite hoops recollection was about making something possible for another -- his teammate -- and giving your all, not any sort of personal honor.
This is exactly what attracted Phil Handy to work with Eberhardt. Handy, who works with individuals and some college teams but turns away those who aren’t 100% serious, said this about his trainee: "Freddie has the body of NFL tight end. At 6-foot-4 and over 200 pounds, he has a D-1 body and this off season he put in the time to improve his game. His shooting and handles are a lot more consistent. What I really like about Freddie is he never shies away from a challenge and he is not afraid to ask questions. He has the ability to be a good D-1 player, a lot of coaches are impressed with his size as a guard and the quickness he displays on the court. He will only get better at the next level."
Eberhardt had been looking for somewhat of a jumpstart to his skill development. "I hit a slump in my game during my sophomore year," he related. "Working with Phil has resulted in a world of changes -- my shooting is now so much better and I’ve increased my vertical by four inches."
He considers his shooting aim his best talent. "I have relatively good accuracy with my shot and better range than most," Eberhardt explained.
Like most youngsters, he participated in and did well in a multitude of sports. But basketball has a special hold on him.
"I chose basketball because whenever I find myself in a jam [about something]," Eberhardt offered, "going out to the court and putting up some shots makes me feel more comfortable."
Longtime South Bay basketball mentor Willy Clark has also been a special influence on Eberhardt, especially during the young man’s elementary and junior high years. According to Eberhardt, "He [Willy] made the biggest impact on me when I was playing for him during the fourth and eighth grades. He taught me that there are always things you can do on the court to take advantage of and help your team."
Again like so many, the proverbial lightbulb has switched on for Eberhardt since his freshman season. "[Bellarmine Prep] Coach [Patrick] Schneider runs a tight system on the court. I’ve learned how to run plays correctly, learned to make [defensive] reads and how to play as a team member."
At the next level, American University, Cal Poly and Columbia have shown interest in luring Eberhardt.
Academically, Eberhardt has posted a 1700 on the SAT and maintains a 3.2 grade point average. Criminology and psychology are the areas that interest him the most as an undergraduate.
But first there is the 2009-2010 season to play out. The Bells are coming off a 21-9 overall, 10-4 in West Catholic Athletic League season. It’s St. Francis that Eberhardt sees a one of Bellarmine’s primary competitor. Niyi Harrison is now a few miles away as a Santa Clara Bronco but Eberhardt will be joining forces with fellow seniors Max Fodor and the Brothers Olugbode, Kristoffer and Kyle.
Eberhardt averaged 13 points and just under eight rebounds a game last season, shooting 53% from the floor and 78% at the foul line. He doesn’t care if his numbers grow, stay static or lesson as it how his team plays that is foremost.
Competitive and intelligent, with a heart big enough to consider others -- that’s Freddie Eberhardt.