“Our basketball’s team strength is that I’ve got thirteen great basketball players…If I had to put out a starting five right now, I really and truly only know one guy who is gonna start,” Pearl said Wednesday afternoon.
Junior Wendell Green Jr. is the player who is thought to have locked down his spot in the starting lineup. The Detroit native was able to make his presence known averaging 12 points, three rebounds, and five assist last season at the guard spot.
For the rest of the lineup, it is up in the air.
The Tigers made use of the transfer portal to the full extend and it will look to pay dividends.
Georgia transfer K.D. Johnson is expected to make a strong contribution the Tigers squad. Whether it is in a starting role is yet to be seen. The one weak spot for Johnson is shooting, not ideal for a potential starting shooting guard. Johnson shot 38.6% from the field last year for a struggling Georgia team that finished 6-26 overall.
Zep Jasper is a name to keep a player to keep an eye on to make contributions throughout the year. The graduate student will possibly get some chances but is not expected to challenge Johnson much for the starting role after having a less than ideal year last year only averaging just over five points a game.
Possibly the most up for grabs position is the small forward. Allen Flanigan was thought to be the starter before stepping away from the team for personal reasons which caused him to miss crucial time.
Chance Westry is a real candite to challenge for the spot. Westry comes into Auburn with a plethora of talent that will allow him to play multiple positions throughout his time. Despite being listed as a guard the 6’6 true freshman is expected to challenge for the starting spot. The battle between Flanigan and Westry is long from over, but the absence by Flanigan may have provided the opening Westry needed.
“I couldn’t say right now who would start. I’d probably give Chris the nod because he’s been out there the whole time,” Pearl said.
The four spot is highlighted by one man only. Five-star Yohan Traore surprised everyone when he flipped his commitment from LSU to Auburn earlier this year. Traore will provide explosive play from the power forward spot as well as center. The freshman can stretch the floor and provide all around options for Bruce Pearl.
“I don’t know how we could do any better,” Pearl said when adding freshman Traore and transfer Johni Broome.
At the center spot it will be big shoes to fill with the loss of Walker Kessler to the NBA. Morehead State transfer Johni Broome and junior Dylan Cardwell will be the two frontrunners for the position. Broome comes to The Plains averaging 16.8 points and 2.9 blocks last season. He was able to impress over the summer tour to Israel by putting up an average of 17.6 points. The four-star transfer comes in with having a very smooth game, often finding opportunities not easily done.
The 6-10 sophomore Broome is expected to start with Cardwell behind him doing what he does best, protecting the rim. Cardwell will look to be the rock and play solid minutes when Broome needs some rest.
It is yet to be seen what the starting lineup for the Tigers will be, but it seems to be a battle for most of the lineup. Auburn will open play with an exhibition game against George Mason on November 7th at Neville Arena.
