Auburn's roster is set for another shakeup as sophomore forward Elyjah Freeman has entered the Transfer Portal, seeking his third school in three seasons. The move comes after a season where the Tigers, under first-year head coach Steven Pearl, fell short of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021.
Freeman, a versatile 6'8" forward, was a bright spot in a challenging year, averaging 9.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. He showcased his scoring potential late in the season, dropping 19 points in an NIT victory over Seattle. His journey to Auburn was marked by immediate success; he was a dominant force at Lincoln Memorial, earning South Atlantic Conference Freshman of the Year honors after averaging nearly 19 points and 9 rebounds.
His departure highlights the transition period for Auburn basketball. The program is navigating the aftermath of Bruce Pearl's sudden retirement last fall and a disappointing 17-16 campaign that followed a recent Final Four run. As Steven Pearl builds his own culture, Freeman's exit signals the beginning of a roster rebuild. For Freeman, it's a search for a new program where his proven scoring and rebounding ability can make an immediate impact.
