Auburn’s 78-66 win over Ole Miss on Tuesday night wasn’t just another SEC victory-it marked the return of Elyjah Freeman to the starting lineup, and with it, a reminder of the kind of impact he can bring to this Tigers team.
After spending the last seven games as Auburn’s sixth man, Freeman rejoined the starting five, sliding in for Kevin Overton and lining up next to Sebastian Williams-Adams. It was a subtle shift on the surface, but one that speaks volumes about Freeman’s value and versatility. He finished with nine points and six rebounds, but the box score doesn’t tell the full story.
Freeman’s recent stretch has been quietly elite. Over his last four games, he’s posted a 14.2 box plus-minus-good enough to crack the top 10 nationally among high-major players.
That’s not just solid; that’s game-changing. For context, box plus-minus (BPM) is a stat that estimates a player’s overall impact using traditional box score data.
And right now, Freeman’s impact is undeniable.
His season averages-9.9 points and 4.9 boards-might not jump off the page, but Freeman’s doing the little things that win games. He’s playing within the flow, making smart decisions, and staying aggressive even when the shots don’t fall.
Against Ole Miss, he went 2-for-8 from the floor and 0-for-4 from three, but his mindset? Unshaken.
“I know it’s a good shot the way it comes off my hands, and I don’t really care what the aftermath is, make or miss,” Freeman said postgame. “As long as it comes off my hands, it’s a good shot. I just live with the result… Whatever it is, get back on defense and get stops.”
That mentality-focused, resilient, and team-first-has defined Freeman’s journey. The 6-foot-8 sophomore from Palm Beach, Florida, started his college career at Division II Lincoln Memorial, where he was nothing short of electric.
As a freshman, he averaged 18.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, establishing himself as one of the top offensive players in D-II. Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl called him a “classic late bloomer” when he signed with the Tigers, and it’s clear that Freeman is still blooming.
What’s made his story even more compelling is the way he’s embraced every role thrown his way. When Pearl needed a spark in December against Chattanooga, Freeman volunteered to come off the bench so Williams-Adams could start. That kind of unselfishness doesn’t just help a team win-it builds culture.
“It’s helped him play better and it’s helped us give a spark off the bench,” said Auburn assistant coach Steven Pearl. “He’s just a guy that’s going to continue to be so effective in games.”
Freeman’s been efficient, too. In Auburn’s last four games, he’s hit 70% of his two-point attempts and has recorded six straight assists without a turnover. That’s the kind of production that coaches dream about-low risk, high reward, and always in the right place at the right time.
Now, the Tigers are headed into a massive SEC showdown with Florida, the reigning national champs. It’s a homecoming for Freeman, who grew up in Palm Beach and played high school ball at Wellington High. Saturday’s game in Gainesville will be more than just another conference tilt-it’s personal.
“It means a lot,” Freeman said. “Growing up, Florida was one of the main teams I watched.
I wanted to play for Florida when I was little. I’ve got family coming to watch, and it kind of means a lot.
They’re coming and driving hours to come watch me play. So, I’m definitely just going to give it all I’ve got.
Effort and energy are going to be there.”
And Auburn will need every ounce of that energy. Florida has won nine of its last ten, including five straight, with three victories coming against Top 25 opponents. The Gators are rolling, and history isn’t exactly on Auburn’s side-the Tigers haven’t won in Gainesville in over 30 years.
But Freeman isn’t caught up in the past. He’s locked in on the prep work, the details, and the mindset needed to compete on the road in one of college basketball’s toughest environments.
“We’ve kind of been here before, playing these high-level, high-ranked teams,” Freeman said. “Just paying attention to detail from Day 1, starting today, even days before the game and hours before the game. Little things that build up to the game matter more than just being in the game and playing.”
He’s right. The margin for error in a game like this is razor-thin. But with Freeman’s growth, Auburn’s depth, and a team-first mentality leading the way, the Tigers are heading into Gainesville with more than just hope-they’ve got a shot.