Former Wellington star Elyjah Freeman who was unranked as a high school prospect in the 2024 class is a four-star transfer in the 2025 portal per the 247Sports rankings. With new head coach Jai Lucas potentially facing the prospect of turning over the entire roster, Freeman returning home seems like a perfect fit.
Jacob Polachek of Kentucky Sports Radio reported on Tuesday that the Wildcats have already reached out to Freeman. Freeman averaged 19.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 57.8 percent from the floor, 46.3 percent on three-point attempts and 80.2 percent on free throws in 2024-25.
After scoring only 11 points in 21 minutes in the first two games combined this season, Freeman had double figures in 25 of the last 26 games for Lincoln Memorial with 25 starts. On the defensive end, Freeman had 50 steals and 21 blocks this season. Freeman is currently ranked as the 10th transfer overall and the top small forward in the 2025 portal.
Freeman had a breakout season as a senior at Wellington during the 2023-24 season averaging 14.7 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 2.1 SPG and 1.0 BPG. Miami lost its entire frontcourt following the 2024-25 season and depending on what other transfers the Hurricanes bring in, Freeman would have an excellent chance of starting in 2025-26.
Miami currently has no front court players projected on the 2025-26 roster. The only players from the 2024-25 Miami roster with remaining eligibility who have not entered the transfer portal are guards A.J. Staton-McCray, who is unlikely to return after participating in senior day, sophomore Paul Djobet and freshman Jalil Bethea.
Adding Freeman would be a great place to start for Lucas. Setting the foundation of his first Miami roster with a local player who developed beyond expectations could show the importance of hard work. Expect Lucas to make Miami a destination in the transfer portal this spring.