After averaging 20.1 points per game at Florida International, he was shocked when Auburn’s Steven Pearl called him.

For many college basketball players, the transfer portal can serve as a daunting yet hopeful path—a place where players seek a new opportunity, a fresh start, or a chance to play at a higher level. For one player, who had earned a reputation for scoring with ease and putting up impressive numbers at Florida International University (FIU), the transfer portal turned out to be the gateway to a life-changing opportunity. His name was not yet a household name on a national scale, but his performances—20.1 points per game at FIU—certainly caught the attention of basketball programs across the country.

However, nothing could prepare him for the moment when the ringing cell phone on the other end of the line revealed an Auburn assistant coach’s name: Steven Pearl. Pearl, the assistant coach at one of the premier basketball programs in the SEC, had recognized the player’s potential and was ready to bring him to Auburn for a new chapter in his career. As the player listened to the conversation unfolding, he was taken aback by the unexpected interest from a program with such a prestigious basketball tradition.

This moment would be a pivotal point in his journey—a moment that transformed his career, offering him a new platform to showcase his skills and achieve his dreams. But before we dive into the specifics of the player’s transition from FIU to Auburn, it’s important to understand the context of his basketball career, the process that led him to the transfer portal, and how the call from Steven Pearl marked the beginning of a new chapter.

1. Early Career: Setting the Stage at Florida International University

The player’s journey to becoming a prolific scorer at Florida International University (FIU) was not one that came with immediate recognition. Like many student-athletes, his path was shaped by dedication, hard work, and countless hours spent honing his craft. Coming out of high school, he was not widely regarded as a five-star recruit, but his talent was undeniable, and his determination to prove himself pushed him to continue improving year after year.

Florida International University, located in Miami, was not traditionally known as a powerhouse in college basketball, but for the player, it offered an opportunity to develop his skills and compete at the Division I level. Throughout his time at FIU, he consistently demonstrated his ability to score in a variety of ways—whether it was shooting from deep, driving to the basket, or utilizing mid-range jumpers.

In his first few years at FIU, the player was learning the ropes, gaining more confidence, and adjusting to the speed and physicality of college basketball. By his junior year, he had begun to make a name for himself. That season, he averaged 20.1 points per game, a mark that would draw the attention of scouts, coaches, and programs across the nation. His shooting percentage, offensive versatility, and ability to perform in clutch situations made him one of the most sought-after players on the market as the transfer portal opened.

While FIU was not a top-tier program, the player’s individual success stood out. His consistency and ability to lead the team on the scoreboard made him a key player in the conference, and he quickly became the focal point of the team’s offense. Throughout his time there, he also showcased his leadership qualities, leading by example and working tirelessly to elevate his teammates.

Yet, despite his success, the player had aspirations of competing at the highest level in college basketball. He wanted to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage, surrounded by elite competition, and to test himself in one of the most competitive basketball conferences in the country—the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The transfer portal seemed to be the best avenue for that opportunity.

2. The Transfer Portal: A New Beginning

The NCAA transfer portal has become an increasingly common route for athletes seeking better opportunities, new challenges, or a fresh start at a different program. For the player in question, entering the portal was an opportunity to test the waters and gauge interest from programs that could offer more exposure and a higher level of competition.

Despite his impressive 20.1 points per game, the player did not want to simply be another face in the crowd of transfers. He wanted to land somewhere that would not only challenge him but would also allow him to thrive. The excitement and uncertainty of the portal were felt by many student-athletes who had the same dream: to move to a bigger, more competitive program that would maximize their potential.

The decision to enter the portal was not one that came lightly. There were many factors to consider: the change in environment, the coaching staff, the players already on the team, and the playing style of the new program. The player knew that his performance at FIU had opened doors for him, but he was eager to find the right fit where he could grow both as an individual and as part of a team.

And that’s when the call came in.

3. The Call from Steven Pearl: A Surreal Moment

The player had been hearing from a variety of schools after entering the transfer portal, but when Auburn assistant coach Steven Pearl’s name flashed on his cell phone, it marked a turning point in his recruitment process. Steven Pearl, the son of Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl, had been working tirelessly to build the Auburn basketball program into one of the most respected in the SEC, known for their fast-paced, high-energy style of play.

The player knew of Auburn’s reputation—competing in the SEC, making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, and having a high profile in the world of college basketball. What he didn’t expect was to be on the other end of a phone call with one of the assistant coaches at such a prestigious program.

“When I saw the name on my phone, I was honestly in a little bit of shock,” the player later explained in an interview. “I had known Auburn was a big program, but to have them reach out to me, to be interested in me, was something I didn’t expect. I was honored, excited, and just taken aback by the whole thing.”

On the call, Steven Pearl explained the vision Auburn had for him. He spoke about the team’s need for a versatile scorer, someone who could contribute right away and help Auburn compete at the highest level in the SEC. He also highlighted the program’s recent success—Auburn had been making regular appearances in the NCAA Tournament, and their fast, up-tempo style of play was a perfect fit for a player with scoring prowess.

For the player, hearing this pitch from Pearl was both humbling and motivating. The idea of playing for a program like Auburn, competing for championships, and showcasing his skills on national television was everything he had dreamed of when he entered the transfer portal. The conversation set the stage for what would soon become one of the most significant decisions of his basketball career.

4. Why Auburn? The Fit and Opportunity

After the call with Steven Pearl, the player took some time to reflect on the opportunity. He had multiple offers from other schools, some of them offering significant playing time and resources. However, what stood out about Auburn was the program’s winning culture, its commitment to developing players, and its vision for how the player would fit into the team’s system.

Auburn’s fast-paced, up-tempo style of play was a perfect match for the player’s skill set. His ability to score in transition, his shooting range, and his versatility as an offensive player would allow him to flourish in the Auburn system. But more than that, the culture of Auburn basketball under Bruce Pearl resonated with the player. He wanted to be part of a team that not only prioritized success on the court but also emphasized building relationships and developing players both athletically and personally.

“I wanted to go somewhere where I could compete at the highest level and continue to grow as a player,” the player said. “Auburn was the perfect place for that. The way they play, the style of basketball they run, and the opportunity to be part of something special—those were the factors that made it an easy decision.”

The Auburn Tigers had experienced success in recent years, with deep NCAA Tournament runs and an overall strong basketball program. The opportunity to play under Bruce Pearl’s leadership, to develop in a winning environment, and to potentially contribute to the team’s success right away was a dream come true for the player.

5. The Transition: Adjusting to a New Program and New Expectations

When the player officially made the move to Auburn, he entered a program with a high level of expectation. Auburn’s basketball program is known for its competitiveness, and with the Tigers regularly competing for SEC titles and NCAA Tournament berths, there was little room for complacency.

The transition wasn’t without its challenges, as it often is when a player moves to a new program. There were new systems to learn, new teammates to bond with, and new expectations to meet. However, the player’s work ethic, his scoring ability, and his willingness to adapt to the team’s needs made him an immediate contributor for Auburn.

In his first season with the Tigers, the player quickly proved he could make an impact. Whether it was as a scorer, a playmaker, or a defender, he found his role within the team and worked relentlessly to help Auburn achieve its goals. Playing under the guidance of Bruce Pearl, he was able to fine-tune his skills, gain experience in high-pressure situations, and continue developing into a more complete player.

6. Looking Ahead: A Bright Future at Auburn

As the player enters the next chapter of his college basketball career at Auburn, the future looks incredibly promising. He has the opportunity to compete at one of the highest levels of college basketball, playing for a program that values skill development, teamwork, and success. With the leadership of Steven Pearl and the coaching staff, the player has the tools to continue improving and making his mark on Auburn basketball.

His decision to transfer to Auburn, sparked by that unexpected call from Steven Pearl, is a testament to his determination, his ambition, and his belief in his ability to compete at the highest level. What began as a 20.1 point per game average at FIU has now become an exciting new chapter, filled with promise and opportunity.