Tennessee may target D2 standout Elijah Freeman after March Madness run, as NBA scouts already eye his potential.

As the Tennessee Volunteers look to solidify their place among the elite teams in college basketball during their March Madness run, another potential story is quietly brewing behind the scenes that could shape the Vols’ future: Elijah Freeman, a standout player from Division II basketball, is rapidly gaining attention from NBA scouts, despite having only played one year at the college level. As Tennessee eyes a national championship, the coaching staff is undoubtedly keeping an eye on the dynamic Freeman as they also look to strengthen their roster for future seasons.

The transfer portal has become a crucial tool in college basketball recruitment, and with its unpredictability, it’s often compared to a “box of chocolates,” as the famous quote goes: “You never know what you’re going to get.” Freeman’s rapid rise and his growing NBA interest are a perfect example of how unpredictable and exciting the transfer portal can be, especially when hidden gems like Freeman emerge from smaller programs and garner the attention of major schools like Tennessee.

The Rise of Elijah Freeman: From D2 to NBA Scouts’ Radar

Elijah Freeman, a talented and versatile forward, has only spent one year at the Division II level, but in that short amount of time, he has captured the attention of NBA scouts due to his exceptional performance on the court. Standing at 6’8″, Freeman combines a rare combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ that has allowed him to dominate at the D2 level, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

In his lone season at the D2 school, Freeman posted impressive stats, averaging 19.7 points per game, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, while also showing his ability to stretch the floor with a respectable three-point shooting percentage. His blend of size and skill has made him a matchup nightmare for defenders, and his versatility allows him to play both forward spots as well as contribute as a secondary ball handler. Whether it’s grabbing rebounds, finishing strong at the rim, or knocking down perimeter shots, Freeman does it all.

Freeman’s quick success in his first year of college basketball has caught the attention of not only college coaches but NBA scouts as well. His combination of physical tools, high basketball IQ, and the ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him a potential diamond in the rough. While he may not have the same high-profile background as some of the top-tier prospects, Freeman’s skill set and upside make him a prime candidate for the next big step in his basketball journey.

Why the Tennessee Volunteers Are Interested

As the Volunteers continue their quest for a national championship in March Madness, Coach Rick Barnes and his staff have likely already begun thinking about ways to improve the program for the following seasons. One avenue they’ll undoubtedly explore is the transfer portal, which has become an essential resource for coaches looking to find players who can immediately contribute.

Freeman’s potential to immediately impact a program like Tennessee is obvious. The Vols are a team with a well-established tradition and a strong roster, but as always, there’s always room for improvement and added depth, particularly with the kind of player who can make an instant impact. Freeman fits that mold perfectly, offering Tennessee the chance to add a highly skilled player who could make the Vols even more dangerous in the years to come.

Versatility and Skill Set

One of the primary reasons Tennessee would be interested in Freeman is his versatility. The Volunteers have built a reputation on having a balanced, well-rounded roster, and Freeman’s ability to play both forward spots would allow him to fit seamlessly into Tennessee’s system. The ability to play multiple positions is a highly coveted trait in today’s fast-paced, positionless basketball, and Freeman’s ability to stretch the floor as a forward is an added bonus.

Tennessee’s offense has evolved to emphasize spacing, ball movement, and three-point shooting, and Freeman’s shooting ability from beyond the arc would complement the Vols’ existing offensive system. While not necessarily known as a pure shooter, Freeman’s ability to knock down threes at a solid clip makes him an intriguing offensive weapon. His skills aren’t limited to scoring either—he’s an adept passer and a strong rebounder, qualities that align perfectly with the way Tennessee has built its roster in recent years.

Defensively, Freeman’s size and athleticism make him an ideal fit for a team that prides itself on toughness and intensity. He has the ability to guard multiple positions on the floor, from opposing forwards to more mobile wings. This defensive versatility would be valuable for a Tennessee team that often thrives on making opponents uncomfortable with their defensive schemes.

Immediate Impact and Depth

The current Vols roster is stacked with talent, but Freeman could help provide immediate depth. Tennessee has found success by recruiting top-tier talent and blending them with experienced players, but adding a transfer with Freeman’s potential could give the team an added dimension, especially if they lose key players to graduation or the NBA draft. His ability to contribute immediately, both offensively and defensively, would be an asset to the Vols, as they look to continue their dominance in the SEC and make another deep run in the NCAA tournament.

Freeman’s ability to contribute right away would also allow him to be a potential difference-maker in a program that prides itself on getting the most out of its players. Coach Barnes is known for developing talent, and Freeman’s raw ability would give the Vols an opportunity to continue competing at a high level while building for the future.

The Transfer Portal: The Unpredictable Nature of College Basketball Recruiting

The transfer portal has completely changed the landscape of college basketball. No longer are players locked into their original schools, and the freedom to transfer has created an unpredictable, often chaotic, system of recruitment that keeps coaches on their toes. Some of the most talented players in college basketball have come from unexpected places, and Freeman is a prime example of how the transfer portal can unearth hidden gems.

For Tennessee, the transfer portal has allowed the Vols to land impactful players in the past, and Freeman represents a new frontier—recruiting talent that has flown under the radar but has the potential to make a huge impact. With schools across the country competing for top-tier talent, the transfer portal has become a crucial element of every team’s strategy. Coaches no longer just focus on recruiting high school players; they must also consider players in the portal who could elevate their team immediately.

The unpredictability of the transfer portal, however, is part of what makes it so exciting. Teams that are able to capitalize on emerging talent like Freeman often reap the rewards. The concept of a “box of chocolates” is a fitting metaphor—the transfer portal has the potential to deliver surprising and sometimes unexpected results. While Tennessee’s focus may be on their current championship run, adding a player like Freeman could be the key to their success in the future, and it’s a testament to the ever-changing and dynamic nature of college basketball recruiting.

The NBA Buzz: Could Freeman Be the Next Big Thing?

The interest in Freeman extends beyond college basketball. NBA scouts have already begun to take notice of his impressive skill set, with some projecting that he could be a late-round pick in the upcoming draft if he decides to declare. The buzz surrounding Freeman only adds to the intrigue for college programs like Tennessee, who could benefit from his development under their watch.

The prospect of playing alongside NBA-caliber players at Tennessee and competing in a high-level program could be exactly what Freeman needs to take his game to the next level. Under Coach Barnes, Freeman would have the opportunity to develop his skills further, which could increase his draft stock and prepare him for a professional career.

 A New Era for Tennessee Basketball

While Tennessee’s immediate focus is on their March Madness run and securing a national championship, the potential pursuit of Elijah Freeman after the season speaks volumes about the future of Tennessee basketball. The Vols have built a program that’s known for developing talent and competing at the highest level, and Freeman represents an exciting opportunity for the future.

The transfer portal is unpredictable, and while Tennessee is focused on its current roster, the addition of a player like Freeman could be a game-changer. With his talent, versatility, and potential, Freeman could help Tennessee continue its rise as one of the nation’s premier programs and solidify the Vols as a championship contender for years to come.

In the world of college basketball, anything is possible. With March Madness still in full swing and the transfer portal waiting just around the corner, the next chapter of Tennessee basketball is about to be written. Who knows what the future holds? But for now, the Vols can dream of a national championship while keeping a close eye on the next big thing in the transfer portal: Elijah Freeman.