Auburn Tigers Basketball 2023: SEC Preview and Predictions

Auburn Tigers Men’s Basketball is primed for a potentially historic season under coach Bruce Pearl, with the goal of a Final Four appearance. After a strong start last year, they faced struggles against top-tier teams, finishing 13-5 in the SEC and exiting the NCAA Tournament in the first round. With a roster reshuffle, including key returners such as Johni Broome and newcomers such as JP Pegues, expectations are high. The Tigers also face a challenging non-conference schedule, starting with No. 4 Houston and involving several ranked opponents. The success of this season depends on the play of the guards and Broome’s health.

By the numbers

• Auburn finished last season with a 27-8 overall record, including a 13-5 record in the SEC.
• In Quad-1 play, Auburn struggled with a 3-7 record.

Yes, but

Despite their talent, concerns remain about Auburn’s inconsistent performance against top competition, especially on the road. The team’s reliance on Broome raises questions about depth and whether new guards can effectively support the offense.

State of affairs

• Preseason predictions have the Tigers ranked second in the SEC in overall strength and returning production.
• Auburn has the highest expectations in program history and is ranked third by KenPom.com.

What’s next

Auburn’s upcoming games will test their depth and cohesion, with out-of-conference matchups against top programs. How quickly the new and returning players adapt will significantly impact their performance in the conference.

In short

Auburn’s success this season depends on mitigating past shortcomings against elite teams and ensuring a smooth transition for new guards. If they can overcome these challenges effectively, a Final Four run is within reach.