Auburn Tigers

 Heron got off to a slowish start this year shooting the ball but I still think he’s an overlooked prospect. He’s only shooting 33% from 3 but he did shoot 42% last year so I expect the former number to rise as the season goes along.  They have him playing out of position at what would be PF a lot bc of Purifoy’s absence.  He’s 6’5 with a 6’8 wingspan, built like a free safety, can shoot, has a nice pull up/step back game and he’s a physically strong driver who knowns how to get to the line.  Defensively it’s hard to evaluate him bc they do have him playing out of position quite a bit and Pearl likes to play gimmicky defenses, throwing a number of different looks at the opposition as opposed to teaching his kids to be solid defenders. In any given game, they’ll use multiple zones, press defenses as well as man defense, while not being particularly good at any of em.  Having said all that, I do think he has strong role player potential because he has the capability of scoring at all 3 levels while having the physical tools and mental makeup to be a good defender.

Wiley could have been a late first round prospect, but more likely an early to mid 2nd should he declare. He doesn’t fit the modern big role as he’s bit ground bound but he is a big body with a strong base, long arms and soft touch around the cup.  He also has good rebounding instincts. He’s listed at 6’11, but he’s basically a 7’er with his length and the amount of space he takes up.  He’s nothing special, but could be looked at if a team is looking for C depth.

The clock is ticking on Purifoy, he’s only listed as a Soph but he’s a really old Soph. He’s got defensive, swiss army knife potential, strong build, solid athlete, but he isn’t particularly good at anything.  I think being out hurts him the most because of his age.  IMO, he needed to show growth in his game at his age to prove that he can fill a niche at the next level.

Besides Heron, I think the best prospect on the team is Anfernee McLemore.  Kid is ridiculously springy, super quick leaper with shot-blocking instincts, while flashing a 3 ball.  His shot is kinda funky and robotic, but has no issue pulling the trigger.  In another year, with similar development he could be a Jordan Bell type.

As a team are they for real? I’d lean towards no because I don’t believe in Bruce Pearl.  His coaching style and schemes are so gimmicky and with the guards (Brown and Harper are erratic gunners) on that team, they have issues executing.  The overall makeup of the team just screams "streaky," so as good of a run they are on now, they could go on another run just as bad.

 Ive been high on this Auburn team for a while. Bruce Pearl is one heck of a coach and I think the SEC is wide open and while most have them as underdogs against Kentucky and Florida they are my favourites in that conference. I also like Alabama who havent started conference play well and Georgia who are right in the mix.