Patrick Ackerman Class: Sophomore Hometown: Rutland, Mass. High School: Worcester Academy Prep Height / Weight: 6-11 / 230 Position: F Birthdate: 10/30/1991 Experience: SO

A strong defensive and rebounding presence around the rim with the athleticism to run the floor, Ackerman devoted his first season in the program to adding muscle to his 6-11 frame, expanding his offensive repertoire and learning Patrick Chambers' defensive principles. A coach's son, He possesses a nice 15 to 17-foot face-up jumper and shot blocking skills. Ackerman will continue to prepare his body for the physical rigors of the Big Ten and look to expand his role in his second season in the program.

"Right away you know Pat is the son of a coach. He wants to be pushed, wants to get better everyday whether it's on the floor or with Brad in the weight room. I'm excited to see his growth as we start playing everday."
- Patrick Chambers

2011-12 • FRESHMAN

Ackerman saw limited action in five games, playing a total of nine minutes...Recorded one rebound...Worked hard in practice to improve his post game and in the weight room to add strength and bulk to his 6-11 frame.

HIGH SCHOOL

Tabbed a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and ranked among the top twenty senior-to-be prospects in his region according to the New England Recruiting Report, Ackerman was a standout for the Hilltoppers at Worcester Academy...was nominated for the 2011 McDonalds's All-American basketball game...had a breakout summer on the AAU circuit, earning All-Tournament Team honors at the GymRat Challenge in Albany, N.Y. in the summer prior to his senior year...Ackerman grew two inches and added twenty-five pounds of muscle between his sophomore and junior seasons...Averaged 10 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game as a junior.

PERSONAL

The son of Tom and Gretchen Ackerman...born October 30, 1991 in Wellsboro, Pa....has an older sister, Meghann (26)...father was a high school and college basketball coach serving head coaching stints at NCAA division II programs Mansfield University (north central Pennsylvania) and Assumption College (Worcester, Mass.)...Tom earned PSAC East Coach of the Year honors in 1995 and 1997 while at Mansfield and led the Mounties to a No. 10 national ranking and 1997 NCAA Tournament...He was head coach at Assumption from 1999-00 to 2004-05, leading the Greyhounds to a regular season conference title in 2002.