Bruce Pearl is speaking to the media today to preview Saturday's game against Georgia, which will be Senior Day. Here's a summary...
** Starts out by recognizing Auburn's nine seniors including three managers. They've been in the program a long time. Johni Broome is going to be a two-time All-SEC performer and could rack up some national awards. Jaylin, Johni, KD, Lior, etc., are the faces of AU basketball. Going to be an emotional start to the game.
** A lot at stake in this game. Have a chance to secure top 4 seed in SEC Tourney. Eight of UGA's 11 losses have been by 10 points or less. They're a good team and run good stuff on offense. We played one of our better games in Athens. Pearl expects UGA to come in with confidence after playing AU even for about 30 mins of the first game. They're coming off a win over Ole Miss.
** Only know for sure on Jaylin and Lior, they can't return because they're out of eligibility.
** Jaylin got some real mins as a freshman and that's when Pearl knew they had something good. Jaylin was never in a rush. He loved his time at Auburn. Didn't want to leave until his job was done with his degree and his play.
** This team has a chance to be great and make history. 13 wins would be one of the top finishes in the conference in AU history. We've got to continue to push ourselves to play great basketball on both ends of floor.
** Johni Broome was willing to trust us in his development. Had a really good first year and could have gone pro but decided to return. I think he's the best center in our league and one of best in country. He's put the time in and done it on both ends of the floor. His game translates to next level because he can do it inside and out and has the right mentality.
** Aden Holloway is a guy you have to gameplan for. If you don't guard him, he'll make you pay. Has bought in to our defensive system. Gotten stronger.
** Denver Jones is one of our most valuable players. Consistently one of best defenders. He's a three-way scorer and has a future at point guard. He's a huge part of why this team has had success. He's playing his best basketball right now.
** The two guys that finished 1-2 in SEC Coach of Year last year were at Missouri and Vanderbilt. They're where they are this year because of the strength of the league.
*****THAT'S ALL*****
** Starts out by recognizing Auburn's nine seniors including three managers. They've been in the program a long time. Johni Broome is going to be a two-time All-SEC performer and could rack up some national awards. Jaylin, Johni, KD, Lior, etc., are the faces of AU basketball. Going to be an emotional start to the game.
** A lot at stake in this game. Have a chance to secure top 4 seed in SEC Tourney. Eight of UGA's 11 losses have been by 10 points or less. They're a good team and run good stuff on offense. We played one of our better games in Athens. Pearl expects UGA to come in with confidence after playing AU even for about 30 mins of the first game. They're coming off a win over Ole Miss.
** Only know for sure on Jaylin and Lior, they can't return because they're out of eligibility.
** Jaylin got some real mins as a freshman and that's when Pearl knew they had something good. Jaylin was never in a rush. He loved his time at Auburn. Didn't want to leave until his job was done with his degree and his play.
** This team has a chance to be great and make history. 13 wins would be one of the top finishes in the conference in AU history. We've got to continue to push ourselves to play great basketball on both ends of floor.
** Johni Broome was willing to trust us in his development. Had a really good first year and could have gone pro but decided to return. I think he's the best center in our league and one of best in country. He's put the time in and done it on both ends of the floor. His game translates to next level because he can do it inside and out and has the right mentality.
** Aden Holloway is a guy you have to gameplan for. If you don't guard him, he'll make you pay. Has bought in to our defensive system. Gotten stronger.
** Denver Jones is one of our most valuable players. Consistently one of best defenders. He's a three-way scorer and has a future at point guard. He's a huge part of why this team has had success. He's playing his best basketball right now.
** The two guys that finished 1-2 in SEC Coach of Year last year were at Missouri and Vanderbilt. They're where they are this year because of the strength of the league.
*****THAT'S ALL*****
