NCAA Division II Standout Elyjah Freeman Brings Power and Promise to the Tigers’ Backcourt
In a move that could quietly reshape the dynamics of a Division I program’s backcourt, the Tigers have secured a commitment from NCAA Division II standout Elyjah Freeman, a versatile, high-powered guard who is ready to prove himself at the next level. Freeman, known for his size, physicality, and dynamic offensive game, brings a unique blend of strength and finesse that could quickly make him a key contributor on his new team. For Freeman, the move represents both an opportunity and a challenge—a leap of faith and ambition in the face of doubt that often shadows D-II athletes aiming for the national spotlight.
At 6-foot-5 and over 200 pounds, Freeman is not the typical guard. He has the body of a forward but moves with the fluidity of a guard. That rare combination allowed him to dominate his competition in the Division II ranks, regularly posting eye-popping numbers and putting defenders on their heels with his ability to score from all three levels. Averaging over 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game last season, Freeman was the engine of his former team’s offense, often shouldering the load and thriving in high-pressure moments.
But numbers only tell part of the story. What really made Freeman a coveted portal target for the Tigers was his attitude, his edge, and his readiness to grind. This isn’t just about raw talent—it’s about a mentality. Coaches who watched Freeman closely throughout his D-II tenure consistently noted how hard he played every possession, how he communicated with his teammates, and how he took pride in the less glamorous parts of the game—like crashing the boards, diving for loose balls, or picking up the opposing team’s best player full-court. That level of commitment is what caught the Tigers’ attention and led to a fast-tracked recruiting process once Freeman entered the transfer portal.
The Tigers’ coaching staff had been quietly monitoring the D-II landscape for months, looking for an under-the-radar guard who could inject toughness and maturity into their roster. In Freeman, they believe they’ve found exactly that. His frame gives them a unique physical advantage at the guard spot, especially in a league where quick, undersized guards often get muscled out of rhythm by longer, stronger defenders. Freeman flips that script. He’s not just going to survive against high-major athletes—he might thrive, using his body to create mismatches and push smaller guards into uncomfortable positions.
But it’s not just size. Freeman has worked tirelessly to develop a polished offensive skill set. His three-point shot has improved dramatically over the past two seasons, and he now shoots with confidence off the dribble and the catch. He’s also shown a knack for attacking closeouts and getting into the paint, where he can finish through contact or create for teammates. That ability to play on or off the ball is a major reason the Tigers pursued him so aggressively. They envision Freeman sliding seamlessly into their rotation as a combo guard, capable of running the offense or serving as a secondary ball handler alongside a more traditional point guard.
Freeman’s journey to this point has been far from linear. A late bloomer in high school, he didn’t garner the kind of Division I attention that many of his peers did. Some coaches questioned whether he was too raw, too physical, or too positionless to fit neatly into their systems. Instead of letting the disappointment define him, Freeman committed to getting better, found a home at the D-II level, and never stopped pushing. His growth there, both as a player and a person, has been impressive.
Former coaches describe Freeman as a “program guy”—someone who sets the tone in practice, holds teammates accountable, and leads without needing the spotlight. That intangible quality could prove invaluable to a Tigers team that is still retooling its identity. After an up-and-down season that saw flashes of promise but too many inconsistent stretches, the Tigers are banking on Freeman to be a steadying presence, someone who’s been through the grind and understands what it takes to win at a high level—even if it was in a different division.
There are, of course, questions that naturally accompany any D-II-to-D-I transition. Can Freeman adjust to the speed of the game at the higher level? Will his scoring translate when faced with longer, quicker defenders? Can he defend on the perimeter against elite athleticism? The Tigers understand those questions, but they believe Freeman’s work ethic and feel for the game will help him rise to the challenge. And perhaps more importantly, Freeman believes it too.
That self-confidence is what has fueled his rise. There’s a quiet chip on his shoulder—a sense that he’s been overlooked for too long, that it’s finally his time to show what he’s capable of on a bigger stage. Those who know him best say he relishes the doubt. He’s used to being told what he can’t do, only to turn around and prove he can. That mentality will serve him well as he enters the gauntlet of Division I basketball, where nothing is handed out and every opportunity must be earned.
The timing of Freeman’s arrival is also important. With the transfer portal era in full swing and roster turnover becoming the norm, Freeman’s maturity and toughness could bring stability to a Tigers locker room in flux. While many programs chase stars or prioritize youth and potential, the Tigers made a calculated bet on experience and hunger. Freeman fits that mold. He doesn’t need 25 shots a night or highlight-reel dunks to make an impact. His game is built on making winning plays, something the Tigers desperately need as they try to climb in the standings.
Freeman’s arrival has already sparked excitement among fans and insiders who understand the nuances of roster building. While he may not have the name recognition of some high-profile transfers, those in the know understand how valuable a piece like Freeman can be. He brings grit. He brings versatility. And most of all, he brings a deep-seated drive to compete. That competitive fire is infectious, and it could ignite something special within this team.
As offseason workouts begin and the roster starts to take shape, all eyes will be on how Freeman integrates into the Tigers’ system. Will he become the glue guy who keeps the second unit sharp? Or could he push for a starting role, using his size and experience to carve out a spot in the first five? Either way, expect Freeman to make his presence felt quickly. He’s not coming to sit. He’s coming to compete, to win, and to write the next chapter of a story that’s already defied expectations.
For Freeman, this move is more than a transfer. It’s a declaration. It’s a signal that his best basketball is still ahead of him—and that no matter where you start, the right combination of belief and work can take you wherever you want to go. The Tigers saw that in him. Now it’s time for the rest of the country to see it too.
