The Auburn Tigers men's basketball team is poised for a potentially historic season under coach Bruce Pearl as it seeks a Final Four appearance. After a strong start last year, they struggled against top teams, finishing 13-5 in the SEC and exiting the NCAA Tournament in the first round. With a restructure of the squad including key returnees such as Johni Broome and new additions such as JP Pegues, expectations are high. The Tigers also face a challenging non-conference schedule that begins with No. 4 Houston and includes several ranked opponents. The success of this season depends on guard play and Broome's health.

Through the numbers

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

Yes but

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

state of affairs

• Preseason projections have the Tigers ranked No. 2 in the SEC based on overall strength and revenue production.
• Auburn has the highest expectations in program history and was rated No. 3 overall by KenPom.com.

What's next?

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

Conclusion

Auburn's success this season depends on overcoming past deficiencies 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.