New Auburn Tigers Forward Named Top 5 Transfer Portal Best Fit by The Athletic
The Auburn Tigers have made a significant addition to their men’s basketball roster with the acquisition of Ja’Heim Hudson, a 6-foot-7, 220-pound forward transferring from SMU. This move has garnered national attention, with The Athletic naming Hudson among the top five best fits from the transfer portal for the upcoming season.(Athlon Sports)
Hudson hails from Hinesville, Georgia, and began his collegiate career at Georgia State before transferring to SMU. During the 2024-25 season with the Mustangs, he appeared in 31 games, averaging 5.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. His defensive prowess was evident, recording 18 steals and 17 blocked shots over the season. One of his standout performances came during the 2024 NIT First Round, where he scored a season-high 21 points against Indiana State. (Athlon Sports)
Auburn’s head coach, Bruce Pearl, has expressed high praise for Hudson, emphasizing his character and work ethic. “Talking to the last three coaches Ja’Heim has played for – in high school, at Georgia State, and at SMU – I respect all three of those coaches, and all three said he was one of their favorites,” Pearl said. “He is a great person, great worker, and great teammate. Stepping up another level, he brings great depth to our front line and has two years of eligibility remaining. He will definitely make an impact on our program and bring another level of toughness to our team.” (Athlon Sports)
The Athletic’s recognition of Hudson as a top-five transfer portal fit underscores the significance of his move to Auburn. This acknowledgment not only highlights Hudson’s potential impact on the court but also reflects Auburn’s effective recruitment strategy in leveraging the transfer portal to strengthen their roster.(Reuters)
As the Tigers prepare for the upcoming season, Hudson’s integration into the team will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. His blend of experience, skill, and determination positions him to be a key contributor to Auburn’s pursuit of success in the highly competitive SEC landscape.
Note: This article is a concise overview of Ja’Heim Hudson’s transfer to Auburn and his recognition by The Athletic. For a more in-depth analysis or additional information, further details can be provided upon request.