June 19, 2008

CINCINNATI, Ohio - Kenny Frease, a 7-0 and 265-pound center from Massillon (Ohio) Perry High School, plans to begin classes at Xavier University in July and will compete as a freshman on the men's basketball squad beginning this Fall. Prior to his arrival, though, Frease will be taking a trip to France later this month to compete as part of the USA Elite National U-19 Team in tournament action against seven other countries.

The roster of 12 U.S. players and the coaching staff depart the U.S. for Douai, France, on June 22 and will return on June 30. Team workouts in France begin on June 23, while the tournament games run June 25-29. Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Spencer Hawes, Thaddeus Young, Rudy Gay, Shelden Williams, Dajuan Wagner, and Josh Boone are just a few players who have competed in this event.

Xavier head coach Sean Miller is excited about Kenny Frease's future. "Kenny Frease has great size as a basketball player," said Miller. "However, with that size he has a very high skill level for someone as young as he is - he has the ability to shoot and is an excellent passer."

Frease was a four-year starter at Perry, averaged 20.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 3.7 blocked shots and 1.8 steals as a senior while being named First Team All-State, District 4 Player of the Year, First Team and Co-Player of the Year for the Northeast Inland District, First Team and Federal League Player of the Year and Academic All-Ohio. He shot 60 percent from the field, including 66 percent inside the three-point arc, while leading his team to a 19-3 record, the Federal League Championship and a second straight district final appearance.

Frease recorded a dominating performance in the Ohio North-South All-Star Game in April in Columbus, contributing 28 points, 17 rebounds and four blocks. He is listed as a high honorable mention prep All-American in the 2007-08 Sporting News preseason basketball magazine and was No. 42 in the final Rivals.com rankings.

Roster
Nic Wise, Houston, Texas, University of Arizona
Demar DeRozan, Los Angeles, Calif., University of Southern California
Tyreke Evans, Aston, Pa., University of Memphis
Ed Withey, San Diego, Calif., University of Arizona
Kenny Frease, Massillon, Ohio, Xavier University
Oscar Bellifield, Los Angeles, Calif., UNLV
Tyler Griffey, Wildwood, Mo., University of Illinois
Howard Thompkins, Atlanta, Ga., University of Georgia
Tobias Veal, Savannah, Ga, University of Colorado
Augustine Rubit, Houston, Texas, Smiley High School
Brendan Lane, Rocklin, Calif., Rocklin High School