South Dakota State's Freidel to sit out rest of season due to depression
South Dakota State sophomore guard Noah Freidel will forgo the rest of the season due to depression and anxiety, he announced at a Zoom press conference Wednesday, according to Matt Zimmer of the Sioux Falls Argus Leader.
"After meeting with coach (Eric Henderson) and my family, we've decided I'm not going to play for the remainder of the year as I've been struggling with depression and anxiety," Freidel said.
"I'm going to take this time to get healthy and work through these mental health issues. I'm so thankful to be surrounded by amazing teammates and I can't wait to get back out on the floor with them."
Freidel played only 17 minutes against Oral Roberts on Saturday. He sat out the rematch Sunday in what Henderson described as a mutual decision.
Henderson said the Jackrabbits are fully behind Freidel.
"We're proud of him for having the courage, but certainly we're going to miss him," Henderson said. "He's an important part of our team and a talented player. But basketball needs to go by the wayside right now, and the young man needs to get healthy and we're here to help him with that."
Freidel earned Summit League Freshman of the Year honors last season. He's averaging 16 points per game this campaign.