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SEC Basketball Preview: Auburn Tigers

November 24, 2009

Auburn Tigers

By psychojoe

2008-2009 record: 24-12 overall, 10-6 SEC

Coach: Jeff Lebo

Key Losses: Kovotney Barber, Rasheem Barrett, Quantez Robertson

Key Returnees: DeWayne Reed, Frankie Sullivan, Tai Waller, Lucas Hargrove

Newcomers: Brandon McGee, Tony Nesmith, Kenny Gabriel, Rob Chubb, Andre Malone, Earnest Ross

Auburn’s emergence as the clear second best team in the west last year was the major surprise in the SEC. The Tigers strong SEC run almost snared them a dance invitation, and they reached the quarterfinals of the NIT. The Aubs are another team that will be hard pressed to duplicate last year’s record, since Kovotney Barber and Rasheem Barrett were the heart and soul of last year’s club, while Quantez Robertson ran the point capably. The Tigers return a solid nucleus, led by DeWayne Reed, who will move to the point full time, Frankie Sullivan, who was a major contributor off the bench, Lucas Hargrove, an undersized forward who has lots of energy and a good perimeter stroke, and Tai Waller, a devestating three point shooter. Waller injured a knee in pre season practice, though, and is out indefinitely. The new recruits are not the instant help that this team needs. Transfers Brandon McGee (Oklahoma) and Tony Nesmith (Indiana) will see lots of playing time. Johnny Lett played some a year ago and will of necessity see more playing time this year, as will Brandon Knox, the biggest player on the team at 6′10″ and 220. Barring the unexpected Auburn will go to war this year with a full quota of scholarship players, for the first time in several years.

If Waller gets back Auburn should be a middle of the pack SEC team. If his injury keeps him out all year they will be around the bottom of the SEC.

Written by psychoejoe · Filed Under Basketball 
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