AUBURN, Ala. – Center Owen Freeman enters his first year at Auburn with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove following an injury-plagued 2025-26 season at Creighton.
Freeman is no stranger to the high-level basketball as the 2024 Big Ten Freshman of the Year at Iowa. He was averaging 16.7 points per game as a sophomore for the Hawkeyes before a fractured finger cut his second season short.
At 6-foot-10, Freeman adds instant size and a versatile scoring threat around the rim. Auburntigers.com caught up with Freeman to learn more about his first month on the Plains.
Q&A With Owen Freeman:
Q: How has your first month at Auburn been?
A: I’m loving it. Being able to be here and come to work everyday to connect with the guys and coaches. I am having a lot of fun.
Q: How have the vibes been at practice this first month?
A: I am just trying to bring a lot of energy and be a great teammate. I know that those pieces are really important to teams that win. I am loving practice – it is super competitive but we are having fun out there. You can tell that there is an expectation of winning that is going around the practice gym.
Q: Describe your basketball style.
A: I am a back to the basket kind of player but can also stretch the floor and play make. I will bring a lot of energy and do whatever it takes to win because I really believe in this group and believe in this coaching staff. We are going to have a lot of fun and you are going to see a guy who is going to go out there and give it his all.
Q: What was it about Auburn that led you to choose coming here?
A: The faith and family aspect was huge. Faith is the most important thing to me and the program has a history of people welcoming faith. Also the family atmosphere – you can feel it just walking around campus. The basketball program speaks for itself and the type of culture it has around it, so it was a no-brainer.
Q: Outside of basketball, what have you enjoyed most about Auburn?
A: Getting to explore the city and the surrounding areas with my teammates. Building those memories and just hanging out with them. It has been a lot of fun.
Q: Do you have a favorite restaurant yet?
A: Botanic. I took my parents there and it was awesome.
Q: What are you most looking forward to this season?
A: Being able to compete at the highest level. The SEC – it doesn’t get any better than that. The team we have and being able to compete with them, it is going to be a lot of fun. I can’t wait.