NCAAB Pre-Season Breakdown SEC Edition: Auburn Tigers

Recently, I started my own personal blog and Instagram page to talk about sports news that was important and relevant to me. I have greatly enjoyed the process up to this point. My site is focused on professional basketball. When the opportunity to write about college basketball, more specifically in the SEC, came around I jumped at the chance without hesitation. I can’t wait to write and talk more about the SEC college basketball scene, as well as all things SEC related. My first article will kickoff a series focused on providing a breakdown of the teams in the SEC after yet another exciting NCAA Tournament. Without further ado, let me begin with the team that ended last season as the highest ranked SEC team, the Auburn Tigers. 

Auburn

Rank at end of 2018-2019 season: 5th in Coaches Poll; Record: (30-10); Lost to Virginia 63-62 in Final Four

Auburn’s season ended in the Final Four, after a run that seemed improbable to many. The high paced style of play, orchestrated by Bruce Pearl, put many teams on their heels. Even their SEC rivals, the Kentucky Wildcats, were flustered when Auburn beat them in the Elite Eight. Bruce Pearl’s style of play can be suffocating for opposing teams, especially those who are not nearly as in shape as they are. With this advantage, the Tigers cause problems for many teams. 

Key Players Lost:

Chuma Okeke, Bryce Brown, and Jared Harper all declared for the NBA draft after their Final Four run. Despite his ACL injury, Okeke’s talent led to him being drafted 16th overall by the Magic. Bryce and Jared both went undrafted but saw significant amounts of playing time in the Summer League. These three players were the most important to the run that the Tigers made. In the Sweet Sixteen, Okeke tore his ACL, but Jared and Bryce were able to carry the load for him.

Key Returning Players:

Samir Doughty (Junior), Danjel Purifoy (Junior), and Anfernee Mclemore (Junior) all played pretty significant roles in helping the Tigers push the eventual champion Cavaliers to the brink of elimination. They all should come back as front runners for starting positions at their respective positions. Doughty saw the most minutes of any player still remaining on the team last season. He also finished 4th in three pointers made for the Tigers last year. 

Notable Incoming Recruits:

Isaac Okoro, a 6’6 four star power forward highlights their incoming class. The number two player in Georgia and the 35th best player in the country, is quite a get for the Tigers. It is always hard to gauge how much freshman players can contribute to their teams right away, but Okoro comes in with a strong athletic profile. His length and size make the transition to playing defense in the SEC slightly easier. The ability to start and lead a fast break has also been a notable skill for Okoro. The combination of these skill sets make him a perfect fit for the Bruce Pearl’s coaching style. From day one, expect him to be fighting for playing time and possibly, a starting role on the team.  

Breakdown for Next Season:

Losing their top three players is going to be extremely hard for the Tigers to overcome next season. They have a few players with some relevant experience playing in big games. These players have played well in their limited roles and minutes. That being said, no one stands out as having the game-changing potential that Harper, Okeke, and Brown had last season. Regardless of these losses, Auburn represents a team that is always tough to beat. Their tenacity on both sides of the ball can take a toll on teams over the course of forty minutes. Last season, they went into the into tournament as the 4th ranked team in the SEC based on their conference play.

Based on all of the information from last season, I see them finishing in that same range. There is a possibility that the loss of their top three players is too much to overcome. I can see them falling as far as 7th or 8th in the SEC rankings. All things considered, I believe the most realistic result is them staying put at 4th or 5th next season. 

Next up: The Kentucky Wildcats