As we continue making our way through the new additions on the men’s basketball team, we’ve made it to the most interesting addition, in my eyes. Elyjah Freeman, former Auburn wing, has joined the Longhorns and brings remarkable athleticism and versatility to the table. The 6-8 sophomore is best known for his defensive prowess, where he’s one of the top players in the SEC on that side of the ball.
2025 Stats: 9.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.3 STL, 44.4% FG percentage, 34.3% three-point percentage
Freeman comes into Austin at a time where they are desperate for wings, with Dailyn Swain moving onto the NBA. His elite length and rebounding ability gives the Longhorns another player that can operate all over the floor. Defensively, he could end up being the defensive leader for this team. Offensively, there are strides to be taken but if he finds a consistent shot from distance, he could be an NBA prospect this time next year.
Out of the five portal additions, Freeman is the most interesting to me. I believe he has an incredibly high ceiling and fits alongside the other transfer incredibly well. His ability to guard every position will give the Longhorns so much defensive versatility, especially with Vokietaitis and Punch. If you add to that taking his three point shooting from 34.3% to ~37%, he could have a special season.
In this portal class, it’s clear Isaiah Johnson and David Punch lead the way offensively. Freeman and the player we’ll talk about tomorrow, Amari Evans, likely will lead the way on defense. Both long, athletic players that can switch any position gives Texas something they lacked last season. Add a minor offensive leap from both, you have something special.
Freeman’s role on the team is up in the air, considering Dailyn Swain hasn’t officially made his NBA decision. That being said, he’ll be a major factor in the rotation one way or another. I believe this could end up being the most important addition, especially if Swain does officially decide to stick with the NBA path. Regardless, Freeman is seemingly a fantastic addition for Sean Miller and company to an already elite portal class.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Fresh Faces On The Forty: Transfer wing Elyjah Freeman
Reporting by Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
