Amid a major roster overhaul following a historic Final Four run, Auburn basketball received a significant boost from one of its top newcomers. A versatile guard/forward who transferred from UCF in early April, has officially withdrawn from the NBA Draft process. Instead, Hall is shifting his full focus to preparing for the 2025-26 season with the Tigers.
He initially entered the draft alongside his transfer portal move, likely seeking evaluations from NBA scouts rather than seriously pursuing selection. The former Big 12 scoring leader was ranked the No. 20 overall transfer this cycle by 247Sports. His return is a major win for Auburn as they look to reload rather than rebuild after a landmark season.
Last year at UCF, Hall averaged an impressive 18.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, shooting 42.7% from the field and 35.4% from three-point range. His offensive efficiency and ability to contribute across the stat sheet made him one of the most sought-after players in the portal.
“He can play positions two through five,” said Auburn assistant coach Steven Pearl during the Final Four, noting Hall’s physical transformation since his days as a 300-pound center at UNLV. “Now he’s a skilled, multi-positional threat who brings scoring, ball-handling, and defensive versatility.” Hall headlines a strong transfer class for Auburn, especially as the team adjusts to the unexpected loss of Chad Baker-Mazara and awaits a final decision from NBA Draft prospect Tahaad Pettiford.
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Alabama writer rips Auburn Tigers football coach Hugh Freeze’s ‘tired’ recruiting theme
Auburn head football coach Hugh Freeze is often hailed as a recruiting wizard on the Plains—especially in comparison to his predecessor, Bryan Harsin, whose tenure left the program in disarray. Harsin’s lack of engagement with in-state high school coaches and his reliance on JUCO talent from far-off regions like Kansas left Auburn lacking the elite depth necessary to compete in the SEC. Freeze, by contrast, has worked tirelessly to rebuild relationships and restock the roster with high-end talent.
However, while Freeze has certainly sparked optimism on the recruiting trail, his ability to develop that talent into early-round NFL Draft picks remains under scrutiny. According to Bama Hammer‘s Ronald Evans, Freeze’s lack of first-round NFL success calls into question his so-called wizardry. Evans points out that Freeze has produced just four first-round NFL Draft selections in his 12 years as an FBS head coach—all from his time at Ole Miss. Meanwhile, Alabama’s new head coach Kalen DeBoer has already produced five first-rounders in just five FBS seasons, highlighting a stark contrast in developmental track records.
Auburn’s recent NFL Draft drought has become a troubling trend in the NIL era, signaling a sharp decline from its former status as a consistent talent pipeline. While Freeze has begun to shift the perception and restore competitiveness, Evans argues that the program still lacks proof of player development at the highest level. Even with some success stories like linebacker Eugene Asante, others—like running back Jarquez Hunter—have stagnated or regressed, raising concerns about player growth under Freeze.
Freeze appears secure through at least the 2025 season, and likely 2026 as well, but the pressure is mounting. If the 2027 NFL Draft doesn’t showcase multiple high-profile draftees that Freeze personally recruited and developed, his campaign to return Auburn to national prominence may hit a critical impasse.