Austin Freeman, thanks to Wilford Brimley, now knows about Diabeetus.

Georgetown was dealt a serious blow to their tournament chances when star guard and leading scorer Austin Freeman was diagnosed with Type II Diabeetus, also known as “Brimleetus,” after star actor Wilford Brimley.

The disease, which affects how blood sugar is regulated and produced — creating extreme cravings for oatmeal and AARP-approved health insurance — may sideline Freeman for the NCAA tourney. It couldn’t come at a worse time for the Hoyas—they’ve lost four of their last five and appear to be limping into postseason play.

In many cases the disease afflicts the carrier with odd eccentricities, like mispronouncing common words, an ornery, irritable outlook, a strange fascination with Western movies, weight gain, and in rare cases,  abnormal facial hair growth. These symptoms could greatly affect Freeman’s ability to make jump shots and drive to the basket if not treated properly.

“I’m obviously disappointed,” a gruff, stodgy Freeman told reporters at practice Wednesday night. “I didn’t think there was anything crazy going on; I thought it was a stomach virus.”

“I woke up and I had this crazy looking Civil War mustache, I felt sluggish, and I could only think about scoring oatmeal. Then I got a package and it was a pair of chaps and a cowboy hat. I thought I was hallucinating and it would just go away. It didn’t. When I checked my voice mail and found out I’d volunteered to be a bodyguard for (Oakland Raiders owner) Al Davis, I knew I had to see a doctor.”

Specialists at Georgetown University Hospital, initially stumped as to what could have caused the strange set of symptoms,  prescribed a high dosage of anti-inflammatory ‘Beetis glucose pills, a mixture of oats, mustache trimmings, cat fur and insurance cards in an effort to suppress the disease. To study up on the effects of the disease, Freeman was also kept for observation, where late at night he’d watch infomercials on AMC.

The junior guard, among Big East scoring leaders with 17 ppg, is not the first athlete diagnosed with diabeetus. In 2008, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was diagnosed with the disease. Cutler made a full recovery and was able to lead the Bears in their usual quest for perpetual mediocrity, capping it off with many multiple-interception games in critical spots.

Coach John Thompson III said it’s a big loss, but is optimistic Freeman can return quickly. “He’s going to have to change his diet and his lifestyle and he may need to upgrade his razor blades, but we think if he can’t return to the court, he can help in other ways.” Thompson said Freeman could wind up as a spokesperson for the team if his athletic career ends.

Freeman says he also is hoping to recover quickly and plans to help his team in March, though he has also considered transferring to Liberty University if Georgetown revokes his scholarship, and has no plans to become a spokesman. He has a bigger goal in mind: the NBA. When asked about NBA prospects Freeman said, “I’d love to get drafted, but not with the Portland Trail Blazers. Last thing I want to do is practice with a middle-aged rookie.”

The Hoyas take on the Cincinnati Bearcats on Saturday.