Kevin Freeman is leaving the UConn basketball program after one season as an assistant coach but will remain at his alma mater in another role. 

UConn announced the news Friday afternoon.

In his new job, Freeman will work within the UConn division of athletics with the National C Club, which “seeks to build and foster relationships through networking, mentoring and professional experience opportunities between former and current UConn student-athletes,” according to a release.

Freeman joined coach Dan Hurley’s staff last September, previously spending two seasons as an assistant coach at Penn State. 

During his short tenure, Freeman, a member of UConn’s 1999 national championship team, helped develop freshman forward Adama Sanogo who made the All-Big East rookie team and contributed to the program’s improvement. The Huskies went 15-8 overall, placed third in the Big East and earned their first NCAA tournament trip in five years.

Freeman also was UConn’s director of basketball operations from 2011-18.

“I have been part of a coaching staff for the past 10 years and I am extremely appreciative of the opportunities that I have been given,” Freeman said in the release. “But at this time, I have decided that a lifestyle change is what’s needed to spend more time with my young family.

“I want to thank coach (Dan) Hurley and the men’s basketball staff. I also want to thank (athletic director) David Benedict and the UConn administration for the opportunity to remain at my alma mater and start this new experience.” 

Freeman and his wife Nicole have three children, daughter Kekoa and sons Sire and Legend. 

Hurley appreciates Freeman’s contributions to the program.

“Kevin played a big part in the program’s step forward this season and I appreciate all his hard work, but I respect his decision to leave the coaching profession,” Hurley said. “I am thrilled that he will be staying at the university in a different capacity and will still be able to interact with our student-athletes and have a positive impact on their lives.” 

Freeman, a member of the UConn All-Century team, had an impressive playing career (1996-2000) during which the Huskies went 109-32 overall, captured two Big East regular season titles, two Big East tournament crowns and appeared in three NCAA tournaments. He was a starter for UConn’s first national championship team in 1999 and made the NCAA West Regional All-Tournament team that season. 

At the time of his hiring as an assistant last September, Freeman spoke about wanting to put down some roots.

“I want this to be home for my family,” Freeman said then. “We’ve moved enough.” 

Now Freeman, who’s well-respected in the UConn athletic community, will represent and serve his alma mater in a position off the court. 

“I understand his desire to pursue a new opportunity and am pleased that Kevin has decided to accept a different position within our department,” Benedict said. “UConn student-athletes throughout our department and alumni around the world will now benefit from Kevin’s passion and high character as we continue to expand the National C Club.” 

g.keefe@theday.com