Auburn Basketball Preview 2021

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Nov 4

Our Auburn basketball preview 2021 - 22 notes that after making the Final Four in 2019, the Tigers did not qualify for the next NCAA Tournament. However, even if they had, Auburn’s self-imposed postseason ban was in place. Thus, once the season was over last year, this team was going nowhere. This year head coach Bruce Pearl (138-92 Auburn/7 years, 369-191 Overall/17 years) and his team will be vying for a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Despite going 13-14 overall and 7-11 in the SEC last year, we think this team has a solid shot at rebounding in 2021 - 22.

Tigers Tide Frontcourt

Two-thirds of the starting frontcourt will be new. Five-star recruit Jabari Smith Jr., the fourth-ranked overall recruit in the nation, will likely start immediately. The 220 pound, 6’10” forward can score inside and outside the paint. Our Auburn basketball preview 2021 - 22 notes that he’s so good, Smith could be a one-and-done player. Another big man, 7’1” North Carolina transfer Walker Kessler joins him. Kessler, who was also a five-star recruit, saw little playing time and UNC. When given time, the forward/center has executed well, scoring, rebounding, and blocking shots. Returning junior Allen Flanigan, one of the SEC’s most improved players, will be the third man in the paint. Last season, he started 27 games, averaging 30.4 MPG and hitting for 14.3 PPG while taking down 5.5 RPG. Returning sophomore forward Jaylin Williams, who averaged 10.9 PPG and 4.7 RPG, will see playing time. Last season as a freshman he started 27 games, garnering a 51.8 percent field-goal rate.

Auburn Basketball Preview – Backcourt

The Tigers lost three premium guards from last season who recorded a combined average of 41.3 PPG. The top man, NBA-bound Sharife Cooper, averaged 20.2 PPG and 8.1 APG. Incoming transfers include Wendell Green Jr. (Western Kentucky), a quality shooter and passer. Last season, the point guard averaged 15.8 PPG. Two other transfers, both shooting guards, arrive. Zep Jasper (College of Charleston) and K.D. Johnson (Georgia) are both fine point producers. Last season, Jasper averaged 15.6 PPG while Johnson hit his threes 38.7 percent of the time. However, none of these players will make up for the loss of Cooper.