Auburn men’s basketball has added a major piece for its future, as head coach Steven Pearl announced the signing of versatile forward Adam Olsen for the 2026–27 season. The 6-foot-8 standout arrives from South Alabama, where he established himself as one of the most dangerous perimeter shooters in college basketball.
During his junior campaign, Olsen started 32 games and delivered a historic performance from beyond the arc. He knocked down a school-record 102 three-pointers while shooting an impressive 39.1 percent from long range. His offensive production was equally strong overall, as he averaged 16.7 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Those efforts earned him Second Team All-Sun Belt recognition and placed him among the top scorers in the conference.
Pearl expressed strong enthusiasm about Olsen’s arrival, emphasizing his elite shooting ability as a defining trait. He described Olsen’s perimeter scoring as a unique strength, noting that his combination of size and shooting mechanics makes him extremely difficult to defend. Standing at 6-foot-8 with a quick release, Olsen is capable of getting clean looks in a variety of offensive situations. Pearl also pointed out that Auburn’s offensive system has consistently helped players improve their shooting efficiency, suggesting Olsen could become even more dangerous in this environment.
Olsen’s consistency as a scorer was evident throughout the season. He reached double figures in 24 games and recorded 15 performances of 20 or more points, leading the Sun Belt Conference in that category. His scoring ability was highlighted by a career-best 29-point outing against ULM, showcasing his potential to take over games when needed.
Before transferring to South Alabama, Olsen spent two seasons playing for the University of British Columbia in Canada. During the 2024–25 season, he averaged 15.0 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 42 percent from the field. His steady improvement over the years reflects his development into a well-rounded offensive threat.
Interestingly, Olsen missed just one game during his time at South Alabama, sitting out the NIT matchup against Auburn on March 17. Aside from that absence, he was a reliable presence in the lineup all season long.
While his three-point shooting is what initially stands out, Pearl emphasized that Olsen’s game goes far beyond the perimeter. He described him as a true three-level scorer who can contribute in multiple ways offensively. Olsen is comfortable knocking down mid-range shots, attacking the basket, and finishing through contact. His size and strength allow him to play through defenders, making him effective both on the wing and closer to the rim.
In addition to his scoring versatility, Olsen’s ability to play multiple positions adds another dimension to his value. His skill set creates matchup challenges for opposing teams, as he can stretch defenses with his shooting while also exploiting mismatches inside.
With Olsen set to join the program, Auburn is adding a dynamic offensive weapon who brings both proven production and positional flexibility. His combination of size, shooting, and scoring versatility makes him a significant addition as the Tigers continue to build for the future.
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