Success in sports can be a tricky concept. Before Bruce Pearl arrived in 2014, the Auburn men’s basketball program had eight tournament appearances. There was a time when a 20-win season, a winning record in Southeastern Conference play, and a halftime lead against a No.1-seed would be satisfying despite the game ending in Saturday’s 81-64 loss against Houston at Legacy Arena.
Elevated expectations from four tournament appearances in five years have an upside. Winning is why throngs of fans Pearl calls “Witnesses” travel coast-to-coast and internationally to watch the Tigers. Thrilling victories lead to Bill and Connie Neville’s willingness to donate millions to improve the arena that carries their name.
The downside to winning is a season when Auburn loses two first-round draft picks, Walker Kessler and Jabari Smith, but getting to the tournament is disappointing. Pearl told reporters after the game that he’d start recruiting that night.
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“I’ll be shifting gears now helping, you know, the guys that are going to want to take a look at maybe where their draft status could be; we’ll look at that,” Pearl said. “And, you know, within the next week or two, get a look at what our roster looks like. If we lose anybody in the transfer portal and begin to rebuild it.”
Zep Jasper is out of eligibility. He is one of the Tigers’ best defenders and an emotional leader. Jasper’s contributions go beyond his play on the court. Replacing him won’t be easy.
“He’s a hard worker; he’s loyal; he’s everything,” Pearl said. “When you bring somebody into your organization, your team, your family, you make statements when you bring somebody in like Zep Jasper.”
Allen Flanigan and Jaylin Williams have choices to make. They could return to Auburn for a fifth season since they have the extra year of eligibility because of the 2020 COVID-19 restrictions. Both could enter the transfer portal or attempt to go to the NBA.
“I haven’t thought much about it, you know. I’m locked into what’s now -- what was now,” Williams said when asked about his future. “So now I will think more about it, and talk with my mom and my family, and talk with B.P., and see what’s best for me and what will work out. Never really thought much about it.”
Flanigan gave a similar answer when asked about what’s next for him.
“We were locked in on the season trying to expand the season and keep going and keep playing with this team,” Flanigan said. “Now that this has ended, sit down and talk to coach, and talk to my family and make a decision.”
An often overlooked but vital aspect of Auburn’s success over the last few years has been consistency on the coaching staff. Ira Bowman, Wes Flanigan, Steven Pearl, Chad Prewett, and Mike Burgomaster have been part of Pearl’s staff. Schools are always looking for quality coaches. Don’t rule out the possibility of another program deciding to poach one or two of the assistants.
Another question is how many players from this season’s roster will return. For instance, the Tigers had high hopes for Chance Westry to contribute this season. He got hampered by a knee injury relegating him to averaging 2.5 points and an assist in 11 games before getting redshirted. Assuming Westry stays and is healthy, getting the 6′6 guard going would be a huge plus for next season.
Westry came to Auburn with a freshman class that included Tre Donaldson and Yohan Traore. Donaldson hit five threes in two tournament games after connecting on eight during the regular season. He showed the promise that Pearl saw when he recruited the former strong safety.
Traore was a 5-star recruit but struggled to find playing time during conference play for the Tigers. The 6′10 freshman saw some action during Thursday’s first-round win against Iowa while Chris Moore was working through a shoulder injury. He told reporters on Friday that he’d likely return to the Plains. But, his athleticism is attractive, and there will be suitors for him. Will Auburn be able to keep him and harness his skills?
As of now, the Tigers would have three scholarships available with Jasper leaving and if Babatunde Akingbola doesn’t utilize his COVID year. Donaldson, Traore, Westry, K.D. Johnson, Flanigan, Moore, Johni Broome, Wendell Green, Williams, and Dylan Cardwell will decide to stay or go in the coming weeks.
“I’m proud of them, but I also have a pretty high standard. And so I’m grateful, and I want them to feel really good about the fact that they had a good year I’m proud of this team,” Pearl said. “But if you know me, I’m on to the next play. And I’ll be recruiting tonight.”
Nubyjas Wilborn covers Auburn for Alabama Media Group.
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