Amaree Abram joined the Drexel men’s basketball program as a transfer, the school announced Tuesday, filling a critical experience void for a young roster following a legal ruling in Louisiana that granted a fifth year of eligibility to college athletes who graduated high school in 2022.
Amaree Abram Brings Power-Conference Experience to Drexel
Abram arrives in Philadelphia with four years of playing experience across four different collegiate programs, three of which competed at the power-conference level. His career began at Ole Miss, where he started 22 games as a freshman before head coach Kermit Davis was fired. He then moved to Georgia Tech under Damon Stoudamire, followed by a standout stint at Louisiana Tech in Conference USA where he averaged career bests of 12.6 points per game, a 37.3% three-point shooting clip, and 1.5 steals per game. Most recently, Abram played under hall-of-fame coach Rick Barnes at Tennessee, helping the Volunteers reach the Elite Eight before falling to national champion Michigan.
Head coach Zach Spiker and his staff secured Abram’s commitment quickly after assistant coach Tim Brooks initiated contact. Abram visited the campus within a week of that initial conversation. We are excited to add someone of Amaree’s experience and caliber to our program,
Spiker said, noting that the addition brings much-needed depth.
A Quick Recruitment Following a Louisiana Court Ruling
The sudden addition was made possible by a legal ruling in Louisiana that granted an extra year of eligibility to athletes who entered college during the 2022 COVID-impacted recruiting cycle. Abram acknowledged he anticipated a potential fifth year even while exploring professional opportunities in Europe. It was in my best interest to go back to college from the get go,
Abram stated. I just wasn’t sure of the timing, and if I was going to be eligible or not, but it worked out… I feel like Drexel is a good fit for me and the coaches have my best interests.
Drexel faces a significant roster reset, returning only three players—Josh Reed, Dillon Tingler, and Martin de LaPorterie—who logged 20 or more minutes in a Division I game last season. Abram slots into a backcourt alongside junior Josh Reed, German guard Adrian Petković, Division II LeMoyne-Owen transfer LaDricus Pittman, and a trio of incoming freshmen.
Defensive Identity and Leadership Expectations in University City
Drexel finished last season as the Colonial Athletic Association’s top defensive unit according to KenPom metrics, leaning into a physical, grinding style of play. Abram expects to transition easily to that defensive intensity, pointing to the rigorous standards of his prior season under Rick Barnes at Tennessee. I’ve been a two-way player my whole life,
Abram said. It’s nothing that I’m not used to.
Beyond his on-court production, Spiker expects the veteran guard to serve as a mentor for the younger members of the squad. He’s got a great opportunity to be a voice and be a mentor,
Spiker noted. I like our talent level, but we are lacking in experience. If you look at his career, he’s played more than everybody in our program.
Drexel Opens Regular Season Against Virginia
Drexel opens its regular season on November 3 with a matchup on the road against Virginia. Abram and the revamped Dragons are set to integrate their incoming talent during the opening weeks of play.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amaree Abram at Drexel
What court ruling made Amaree Abram’s transfer to Drexel possible?
A lawsuit in Louisiana granted a fifth year of college athletic eligibility to student-athletes who graduated from high school in 2022. This legal decision allowed Abram to return to the college ranks after considering professional playing opportunities in Europe.
Which four schools did Amaree Abram attend before joining Drexel?
Abram spent his four previous collegiate seasons at four different institutions: Ole Miss as a freshman, Georgia Tech for his sophomore stint, Louisiana Tech in Conference USA, and Tennessee at the power-conference level.
When does the Drexel men’s basketball season begin?
The Dragons open their season with an away game against Virginia on November 3.
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