A Full Circle Signing for UAB and Jeremy Elyzee
By Steve Irvine
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - April 23, 2026
He didn’t know he’d be back in Birmingham at the time, but a trip to Bartow Arena two seasons ago influenced Jeremy Elyzee’s decision to sign with UAB earlier this week.
Elyzee’s first season at Southeastern Louisiana was just beginning when he came to Bartow Arena for an early season game. That experience was in his mind when he arrived on campus on Tuesday. And it was part of why he signed with the Blazers before he headed back home.
“Well, I know about UAB's track record,” Elyzee said. “I know they’re a winning program. I know that they develop some players to go up to the next level and that's what I was looking for. My freshman year I played against them and I liked their playing style. I just remembered that I played against a lot of athletic players. It was more than what I was expecting. It was my second or third game, so I don't know what to expect, but it wasn't that. They were pretty good players. So, I feel like it’s a full circle moment that I played them, they beat us and then I’m going to be joining them this season.”
For the record, Elyzee had a successful evening in Bartow Arena, putting together a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double, playing against a UAB front line that included Yaxel Lendeborg and Christian Coleman in the Blazers’ 82-72 victory.
That was the start of a solid first year for the 6-foot-7, 205-pound Miami native. Elyzee was the Southland Conference Freshman of the Year in 2024-25 after averaging 10.7 points and 5.4 rebounds and leading the team with 21 blocked shots. He had a season-high 22 points against Gardner-Webb later in the season and a career-high 13 rebounds against Nichols State.
Last season, Elyzee averaged 11.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while adding 23 blocked shots and 34 steals in 31 games. He set a career high with 23 points against New Orleans in his final game.
“I think my main growth (over the two seasons) is mentally,” Elyzee said. “Now I know how the game works and what I need to work on specifically. I have a great feel for the game now. I know how to move on the court. It’s just an IQ thing. I feel like my basketball IQ is growing these last two years.”
He decided after this past season ended that it was time to leave Southeastern Louisiana.
“I felt like it was just for me to move on,” Elyzee said. “All respect to Southeastern. I loved it. I loved the coaching staff. They did great by me. They gave me the opportunity I was looking for. But I just felt it was time for me to step forward.”
Elyzee said he had interest from about 10 schools during his transfer portal recruiting. Once he visited UAB, he shut the recruiting down.
“One, I liked how beautiful the campus is,” Elyzee said. “And it’s in a downtown area. Me being from Miami, I’m kind of used to the city life. So that’s another thing. And, then, again, I got comfortable with the coaching staff. I got a good feel for them and their resources that they have and felt like it could impact me in a great way. So, that’s why I was like alright, let’s get this done.”
He gave a self-scout on what type of players UAB is getting.
“I'll be that high motor forward, you know, exciting player to watch,” Elyzee said. “The player that works hard, that gets the job done and a player that just wants to win. That's what I expect to bring.”
UAB’s roster now includes five players with sophomore guard Salim London as the lone returning player. Andy Kennedy and his staff signed Gadsden City High guard Jakobi Sharp in the fall and added Elyzee, Shelton State center Shah Hall and Oak Hill Academy guard Korie Corbertt this spring. The staff was expecting at least six official visitors this week.