Auburn’s 2020-21 season got underway in Fort Myers, Florida against Saint Joseph’s and preseason No. 1 Gonzaga. Freshman Justin Powell was a bright spot as the Tigers split the two games with an overtime win against Saint Joseph’s and a 23-point loss to the No. 1 Bulldogs.
Through the first two games, Powell is one of two Tigers to average more than 10 points per game with 12 points per game. Sophomore Allen Flanigan leads the team with 16 points per game.
With five-star Sharife Cooper’s eligibility in question, he did not make the trip with the team, and that put Powell into the backup point guard role. Coach Bruce Pearl knows who was most proud of Powell.
“A shooting guard out of Kentucky that is forced into playing out of position without Sharife Cooper, and I know there is nobody happier for Justin than Sharife,” Pearl said.
Pearl was impressed with the Prospect, Kentucky native who turned the ball over zero times against Saint Joseph’s and just twice against Gonzaga.
“We ask a lot of our point guard, and I thought he did a terrific job,” Pearl said after Auburn’s opening win. “I think that’s really good—great, great debut for Justin. Get to the foul line, make all his free throws, knock down some big threes. He played with confidence.”
Powell knocked down 4-of-8 3-pointers in his first two games. He also made all six of his free throw attempts.
Powell was even dominant on the boards grabbing seven rebounds against Saint Joseph’s and six against Gonzaga.
Powell will continue to share minutes with Tyrell Jones who started the first two games at point guard and averaged eight points per game.
Auburn will remain in the state of Florida for its next game at Central Florida on Monday at 6 p.m.
