While Tennessee basketball celebrated a monumental win with the commitment of five-star forward Nate Ament, the Vols quietly suffered a smaller but still significant recruiting loss over the weekend. Elyjah Freeman, a standout Division II wing from Lincoln Memorial University, chose to take his talents to Auburn, snubbing both Tennessee and Indiana in the process.
The news, which broke late Sunday, may not have the same buzz as a five-star commitment, but Freeman’s decision highlights a growing and crucial battleground in college basketball: the transfer portal, particularly among overlooked but high-upside players from smaller programs.
So, how big of a miss is this for Tennessee? Let’s break it down.
Who is Elyjah Freeman?
Elyjah Freeman isn’t your typical DII player. The 6-foot-7 wing was one of the most electric and efficient scorers in all of college basketball last season — regardless of level.
Freeman’s 2023-24 Stats at LMU:
- 18.3 points per game
- 6.1 rebounds per game
- 52.9% FG shooting
- 37.5% from 3-point range
Freeman was named a D2CCA All-American and was considered one of the top non-Division I players in the portal. His game is built on size, athleticism, shot creation, and defensive versatility — all traits that would have made him an ideal fit in Rick Barnes’ system.
Tennessee’s Pursuit
Tennessee was firmly in the mix from the start. Multiple reports indicated that Barnes and his staff had reached out to Freeman early and aggressively, viewing him as a potential plug-and-play wing option — especially with roster uncertainty looming after the departures of Santiago Vescovi, Josiah-Jordan James, and likely Zakai Zeigler to the NBA or transfer.
While Freeman never publicly released a top schools list, sources say Tennessee, Auburn, and Indiana were the primary suitors.
So what went wrong?
Why Freeman Chose Auburn
Freeman reportedly felt a stronger opportunity for guaranteed playing time and offensive freedom under Bruce Pearl. Auburn’s up-tempo style and need for a scoring wing aligned more directly with Freeman’s skillset.
Additionally, Pearl’s ability to elevate mid-major and lower-profile talent into high-visibility roles in the SEC may have tipped the scales.
Impact on Tennessee’s Roster and Strategy
Losing Freeman isn’t a backbreaker, but it does spotlight two significant things:
1. The Vols Still Need Wing Depth
With James gone and no true wing currently added through the portal, Tennessee still has a gap on the perimeter. While Ament fills a future need, the 2024-25 roster still needs experienced, multi-positional scorers.
2. The Portal is More Competitive Than Ever
Freeman’s commitment to Auburn continues a pattern: Tennessee is in the fight for top portal talent, but not always landing them. The Vols missed out on several players last offseason too (Dalton Knecht was a huge exception).
Rick Barnes and his staff are clearly targeting:
- Immediate-impact guards and wings
- Versatile two-way players
- Players who can stretch the floor and guard multiple positions
They’re involved in the right battles — but finishing the deal is critical.
Where Tennessee Turns Next
Despite the Freeman miss, Tennessee remains active in the portal.
Targets Still on the Radar:
- Isaac McKneely (Virginia) – A proven sharpshooter entering his junior year. Elite perimeter stroke and high IQ.
- Rakease Passmore (Kansas) – Athletic freshman guard looking for a bigger role.
- Jakobi Gillespie (Belmont) – The Tennessee native is generating major SEC interest after a breakout year.
The Vols are also rumored to be lining up official visits with two unannounced transfer targets this week, per multiple recruiting insiders.
Long-Term Outlook
Freeman’s commitment to Auburn underscores just how competitive the transfer market has become. It also highlights the thin margin for error in roster construction at elite programs. Missing on a player like Freeman — one who’s proven and ready to contribute — can create a domino effect if not followed by another portal addition.
That said, Tennessee has proven time and again that they can find gems, whether through:
- International prospects
- Mid-major stars (like Knecht)
- High-level freshmen ready to contribute early
Freeman might shine at Auburn, but Tennessee isn’t done shopping.
Final Thoughts
Elyjah Freeman would have been a quality piece for Tennessee — no doubt about it. But this isn’t a panic moment. It’s a reminder that in today’s version of college basketball, every recruitment is a battle, and even the best programs miss sometimes.
For Rick Barnes and the Vols, the challenge now becomes clear: reload, re-engage, and refocus — because the SEC arms race is far from over.
