It seems hard to believe, but basketball season is just about a week away.
Let’s take a look at head coach Bruce Pearl’s squad and preview some Auburn hoops with the season opener against Baylor rapidly approaching.
For whatever reason last season, Auburn could never really fully figure things out. They were not a bad team by any means, qualifying as a 9 seed in the NCAA Tournament and winning in the first round against Iowa, but offensive issues that popped up in spots marked some unfortunate losses and a limited ceiling.
The biggest thing in looking at the Tigers roster is the amount of turnovers from a team last year that just never really fully clicked. While the number of returners was down to three, it went back up to five after big men Johni Broome and Jaylin Williams pulled their name out of the NBA Draft pool.
Veteran guard K.D. Johnson headlines the returning group after Wendell Green (NBA) and Zep Jasper (out of eligibility) departed. All three were brought in the same transfer portal class in 2021 and Johnson is the last man standing. Auburn also returns Tre Donaldson at guard, who played well in the NCAA Tournament.
Of course, the big addition that has everyone on The Plains salivating is the Tigers lone high school senior from the class of 2023. Aden Holloway, who was ranked as the 16th overall prospect in the nation and third overall point guard, will look to make an immediate impact.
Another huge (and underrated) transfer addition is Florida International guard Denver Jones. A prolific scorer, Jones shoots the 3-ball at a high clip. He was one of the most coveted players in the portal before Pearl was able to land his commitment.
As for the front court, NBA Draft declarations seemed to have ravaged the depth of the position for Pearl, with arguably all three of his best players in Johni Broome, Jaylin Williams, and Dylan Cardwell departing.
Even with two of his best players in Broome and Williams returning, Pearl went to work in the portal and JUCO pool as well, bringing in two talented, albeit unproven, big men.
Chaney Johnson, who has been a star at Division II Alabama-Huntsville, averaged nearly 16 points per game and more than 6 rebounds last season.
The final piece Pearl added was JUCO power forward Addarin Scott, who figures to factor in as well.
When it comes to predicting what Auburn is capable of this season, it’s hard to say right now still months away from conference play and the SEC looking extremely strong. But the Tigers appear much deeper than last season with a blend of veteran talent and new blood.
Auburn’s opener is Nov. 7 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. This is the second-consecutive year Baylor will compete at the Sanford Pentagon, while it will be the first time Auburn plays on Heritage Court.
Follow Michael Brauner on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP
