BLOOMINGTON - Having just completed his first season playing professional basketball in Germany last week, Zach Freeman already knows he's returning.

"I have signed again for next year," Freeman said via e-mail. "I am very excited."

The former Normal Community High School and Illinois Wesleyan standout helped Phoenix Hagen to sixth place in the 16-team 2.Bundesliga league by averaging 10.8 points and 4.7 rebounds while playing 22 minutes per game.

"I provided a role where I could play the small forward, power forward or center," said the 6-foot-7 Freeman. "I felt that I was productive playing the minutes I received. I plan on seeing my role increase substantially next year."

Freeman averaged 21.6 points and 9.1 rebounds as a senior at IWU in 2007. He finished his career at seventh on the school's career scoring list and was fourth in rebounding.

Getting along well with his teammates made his first experience playing overseas enjoyable, according to Freeman.

"I have been fortunate to be with these guys every day because they are like family to me," he said. "Everybody fits in like we went to grade school together even though the U.S.-born players are from Seattle, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Tallahassee (Fla.) and Bloomington, and the German players grew up halfway around the world. It is a very unique and rewarding experience."

The level of play in 2.Bundesliga has improved in the past year because teams are now allowed to have six non-German players. Previous rules permitted only two.

"This has changed the status of the league and made it much tougher. It has taken a few steps up in how it compares to other leagues across Europe," said Freeman. "I would say that every team is extremely talented and that it is comparable to experienced Division I collegiate basketball (in the United States)."

Freeman called the style of play "guard oriented and comparable to a Phoenix Suns run-n-gun style where everybody on the court has to be able to do everything (shoot the 3, play inside, drive and kick)."

The 23-year-old Freeman has enjoyed living in Hagen, which as the 37th largest city in Germany has a population of nearly 200,000 and is located in the west-central part of the country.

"The best part about living in Germany is the every day experience you could never have back in the U.S." he said. "Learning to speak the language, adapting to the German lifestyle and getting to travel to different cities within Germany and other countries is exciting.

"I also really enjoy the Haribo gummy candy as well as the chocolate. They are both outstanding."

Freeman, who is returning to Illinois in early May, has still been able to watch American television in Germany. Using Slingbox technology, Freeman is able to tap into his parents' television in the Chicago suburbs through his computer.