Auburn Basketball Embraces Challenging Schedule, Seeks to Elevate Program

Bruce Pearl and the Auburn men's basketball team are facing a pivotal season after a disappointing first-round exit in the NCAA Tournament last year. With a daunting non-conference schedule and a roster in flux, the Tigers are determined to maintain their consistent level of success and establish themselves as one of the top programs in college basketball.

Raising the Bar: Auburn's Ambitious Non-Conference Schedule

As the Tigers consistently finish ranked in the top 10, head coach Bruce Pearl has made it a priority to schedule like a top-10 program. The non-conference slate features matchups against powerhouses such as Houston, Duke, Purdue, and Iowa State, providing the team with ample opportunities to prove their mettle early in the season."One of the ways you can act like one is to try to schedule there," Pearl said during his pre-practice news conference. "I don't know if we can recruit like a top 10 program. I don't know if we can finish like a top 10 program. But I can schedule like one because I can control that."The challenging schedule not only tests the team's abilities but also increases their chances of earning Quad 1 victories, a crucial factor in the NCAA Tournament selection process. Pearl is confident that these early-season tests will be instrumental in shaping the team's identity and preparing them for the rigors of conference play.

Navigating Roster Changes and Positional Shifts

Despite only adding two freshmen and three players through the transfer portal, Pearl acknowledges that this team is one he knows less about compared to previous squads he has coached. Part of this uncertainty stems from the fact that multiple returning players will be taking on new roles and positions this season.Denver Jones, for instance, is expected to play both point guard and shooting guard, a significant shift from his previous responsibilities. Similarly, Johni Broome, who primarily played center last season, will now be asked to contribute at both the power forward and center positions.The addition of Furman transfer JP Pegues and Georgia Tech transfer Miles Kelly has also added depth and scoring punch to the backcourt. Both players are known for their consistent shooting, an area where Auburn struggled at times last season."Miles, he was arguably Georgia Tech's best player last year," Pearl said. "He obviously is demonstrated to be a great three-point shooter with great range."

Embracing Competition and Depth at Point Guard

The Tigers' point guard position has become a competitive battleground, with several players vying for the starting role. In addition to Pegues and Kelly, true freshman Tahaad Pettiford is also expected to see time at the point, despite the initial plan to have him play primarily off the ball."I think it definitely helps as far as the depth is concerned," Pearl said of the options at point guard. "As far as the competition, those guys are all so competitive that I don't necessarily think that it's helping them all show up every day to practice because those three guys are going to show up every day."This depth and competition at the point guard position could prove to be a valuable asset for the Tigers, as they look to find the right combination to lead the team to success.

Embracing the Unknown and Striving for Improvement

While Pearl may not yet have a clear picture of what this team is capable of, he remains confident in the players he has added and the potential for growth. The next month will be critical as the Tigers navigate their challenging non-conference schedule and work to establish their identity."How much better we are with those guys out there, I probably won't know until Florida Atlantic on Nov. 1," Pearl said.As the Tigers embark on their quest to maintain their consistent level of success and elevate their program, the combination of a daunting non-conference schedule, roster changes, and a competitive point guard battle will undoubtedly shape the team's trajectory. With Pearl's leadership and the team's determination, Auburn basketball is poised to make a statement in the upcoming season.