Auburn basketball is undergoing significant roster changes this offseason, with two notable players, Elyjah Freeman and Abdul Bashir, officially deciding to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Their departures mark another shift for the Tigers as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Abdul Bashir, a highly touted recruit, confirmed his decision on social media Friday. Ranked as the No. 1 junior college (JUCO) prospect in the 2025 class, the 6-foot-7 guard arrived at Auburn with high expectations. However, his time with the program was limited due to injury setbacks. Bashir dealt with a lingering back issue that began during the summer, which ultimately restricted his availability throughout the season.
Although he appeared in the early part of the campaign, Bashir was eventually sidelined for the majority of the year. In total, he played just six games before being shut down, preventing him from making the impact many had anticipated. His decision to transfer now gives him an opportunity to reset and pursue a fresh start elsewhere.
Joining Bashir in the portal is sophomore wing Elyjah Freeman, whose departure adds another layer to Auburn’s offseason movement. Freeman shared his decision through a heartfelt statement, expressing appreciation for the support he received during his time with the program. He highlighted the role Auburn played in his growth, both as a player and as a person, while also acknowledging the passionate fan base that embraced him.
Freeman’s journey at Auburn was one of steady development. Coming from a Division II background and having previously played point guard in high school before a late growth spurt, he entered the program as a player still discovering his full potential. Over the course of the season, he gradually found his footing and became a more consistent contributor.
His progress was especially noticeable late in the year. During the final stretch of games, Freeman stepped into a starting role and delivered solid performances. Across his last 10 appearances, all as a starter, he averaged 9.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. Additionally, his outside shooting improved, as he connected on 37 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.
With Freeman and Bashir now entering the transfer portal, they become part of a growing list of Auburn players moving on. Their exits follow those of forward Filip Jovic and point guard Kaden Magwood, signaling a period of transition for the Tigers.
The transfer portal, which officially opened on April 7, continues to play a major role in reshaping college basketball rosters. For Auburn, the departures of Freeman and Bashir create both challenges and opportunities as the program looks to rebuild and retool for the future.
As both players explore their next destinations, they carry with them valuable experience and potential. Meanwhile, Auburn will turn its focus toward filling the gaps and building a roster capable of competing at a high level in the seasons ahead.
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