College and Magnolia - Auburn Basketball, 2012-13 Season PreviewAt the corner of Auburn and the Internethttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48507/collegeandmagnolia_Fav.png2012-11-06T09:50:00-06:00http://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/rss/stream/32492572012-11-06T09:50:00-06:002012-11-06T09:50:00-06:00Tigers close preseason with sloppy win
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<img alt="Auburn's Asauhn Dixon-Tatum Georgia Southern State University vs Auburn on Monday, Nov.5, 2012 in Auburn, Ala " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zCxBq2RY2DsB8tjdCSUs7-8UyUA=/0x10:767x521/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2760817/5auburn3.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Auburn's Asauhn Dixon-Tatum Georgia Southern State University vs Auburn on Monday, Nov.5, 2012 in Auburn, Ala | Todd Van Emst</figcaption>
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<p>The Tigers were in a much closer game than expected for most of the night.</p> <p>Auburn defeated Georgia Southwestern, 66-50, on Monday night to wrap up exhibition play. Head coach Tony Barbee opened the game with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53410/frankie-sullivan">Frankie Sullivan</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53409/josh-wallace">Josh Wallace</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123203/allen-payne">Allen Payne</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/101070/rob-chubb">Rob Chubb</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99789/noel-johnson">Noel Johnson</a> (over Shareif Adamu) starting. Following a strong offensive showing against an undersized Victory, the Tigers got off to a slow start in their second exhibition game. Auburn shot 35.7 percent from the field in the first half and went into halftime with a meager three-point lead.</p>
<p>Johnson was easily Auburn's best player against the 'Canes. He put up a double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Johnson was 4 of 7 from the floor and hit 2 of 4 3-point attempts. He added a steal and an assist, and the only flaw in his was turning the ball over three times.</p>
<p>When Chubb has a good night, he has a really good night, but when Chubb has a rough night, he has a really rough night. He scored only two points and found himself in foul trouble. This gave JUCO transfer <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175855/asauhn-dixon-tatum">Asauhn Dixon-Tatum</a> an opportunity, and he made the most of it. Dixon-Tatum scored 11 points on 4 of 8 shooting, and he had four rebounds and four blocked shots. Give him a little more time with the playbook and it will be intriguing to see how much playing time he can garner on his own merits.</p>
<p>Chubb may have not had the best of nights, but the remaining veterans managed to settle in and put up numbers. Sullivan had nine points, including a nice two-handed jam after a fast break in the second half. Wallace had eight points, including an uncontested 3. Payne scored seven points, including back-to-back 3s, and he had two blocks.</p>
<p>Shaquille Johnson scored four points and pulled down four rebounds, Jordon Granger had four points and a rebound, and Brian Greene Jr. collected two points and two assists.</p>
<p>Two key issues should be pondered as Auburn enters the regular season: development of Adamu and the contrast of the upperclassmen against the younger guys. Adamu is a very physical player, but often, he can't control himself, as evidenced by his eight fouls in two preseason games. However, there are times when his physicality works to his benefit. At one point Monday night, he was able to make a shot while covered by three defenders. If Adamu can learn to use his physical play to his advantage and stay out of foul trouble, his game will see drastic improvement.</p>
<p>Barbee has stated that he expects the starting lineup to be fluid throughout the season, but one has to wonder how the gap between the defensive prowess of the veterans and the offensive spark of the newcomers can be bridged into generating faster starts out of the gate. Until Auburn figures this out, the Tigers will have some troubles.</p>
<p>Click <a href="http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2012-2013/au1105.html" target="_blank" style="color: #c8181d !important; text-decoration: none !important; background-color: transparent;">here</a> for box score and <a href="http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/110512aaa.html" target="_blank" style="color: #c8181d !important; text-decoration: none !important; background-color: transparent;">here</a> for post-game quotes.</p>
<p>Auburn tips off the regular-season at home at Auburn Arena on Friday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. CT against IPFW.</p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2012/11/5/3608012/auburn-wraps-up-exhibition-playrunyogasurf2012-11-01T09:51:00-05:002012-11-01T09:51:00-05:00Quick thoughts on Auburn's exhibition opener
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<img alt="Auburn's Noel Johnson shoots over Victory's Travis Gibson in the first half of the Tigers' 108-57 exhibition win on Tuesday, Oct. 30." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/N1gKpVySxiJUdcgfyZtwOJv5EOw=/0x103:816x647/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2429755/30auburn3.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Auburn's Noel Johnson shoots over Victory's Travis Gibson in the first half of the Tigers' 108-57 exhibition win on Tuesday, Oct. 30. | Todd Van Emst</figcaption>
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<p>A brain dump of the things we saw in Tuesday night's exhibition victory against Victory. </p> <p>Auburn defeated Victory, 108-57, in the Tigers' exhibition opener Tuesday night. Yes, we know it was an exhibition game, but Auburn has not put up three digits on the scoreboard since Nov. 29, 2003 (vs. Grambling, 105-56). Head coach Tony Barbee had the following to say about the game:</p>
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<p>"I think it is the first time we have scored 100 since I have been here, so that is a good sign. Offensively, we have some guys that can put the ball in the basket and that makes the game easier. I know this, defensively, we are light years from where we need to be and it is mainly the new guys. They need to understand it isn't about gambling and trying to get a steal. It is about being in the right position and being disciplined defensively. We have a chance and we have some athleticism. We should rebound better this year and we should score better. If we can get to the level defensively where we have to be, we can turn the corner."</p>
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<p>For more postgame quotes, click <a href="http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/103012aac.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p><b>What we already knew</b></p>
<p>* Four seniors (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53410/frankie-sullivan">Frankie Sullivan</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53409/josh-wallace">Josh Wallace</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/101070/rob-chubb">Rob Chubb</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99789/noel-johnson">Noel Johnson</a>) bring leadership, poise and direction to a team that has struggled mightily in the last few seasons.</p>
<p>* Six newcomers (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175855/asauhn-dixon-tatum">Asauhn Dixon-Tatum</a>, Shaquille Johnson, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175859/jordan-price">Jordan Price</a>, Shareif Adamu, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175865/brian-greene-jr">Brian Greene Jr</a>., <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175867/jordon-granger">Jordon Granger</a>) bring athleticism and improved offensive skills. For the Tigers have been short on playmakers in recent memory, and these guys will help change that.</p>
<p>* <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36201/josh-wallace">Wallace</a> is on scholarship. Although this year, it is not an engineering scholarship; it is an athletic scholarship.</p>
<p><b>What we learned</b></p>
<p>* One important junior (Chris Denson) is ineligible for the fall semester.</p>
<p>* Sullivan is beginning to look like himself pre-injury.</p>
<p>* Chubb shows improvement, but at times, he still shows glimpses of last season. He did have a double-double (21 points, 13 rebounds), but his hard hands sent a few hook shots awry.</p>
<p>* Johnson, a bit of an unknown, has a beaut of a 3-point shot. He had limited playing time last season due to a wrist injury on his shooting hand, and we only saw glimpses of his talents.</p>
<p>* Payne is willing to grind it out on the floor when going after the ball. It is nice to see that kind of grit again on the Plains.</p>
<p>* Johnson makes YouTube highlights a reality. He makes one think of a comic book super hero. So easy. He had 15 points against Victory.</p>
<p>* Dixon-Tatum has the wingspan to hug the arena. He barely has to hop to put it in the basket, and his body awareness/mechanics are impressive for a guy of his size.</p>
<p>* Price just might be the shooter we've been hoping for. He put up 13 points and hit two 3s.</p>
<p>* Granger makes a case for himself as a shooter and closed the game with a flourish. He also had 13 points and was 5 of 6 from the floor.</p>
<p><b>What we still don't know</b></p>
<p><b></b><span style="line-height: 15px;">* How will this team fare against a team with consensus All-American point guard? We might know more when they meet <a style="color: #c8181d !important; text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent;" class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53270/isaiah-canaan">Isaiah Canaan</a> and the Murray State Racers in the Charleston Classic on Nov. 15.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 15px;"></span><span style="line-height: 15px;">* How will this team stand up against an up-tempo offense? We should know on Dec. 29 when they meet John Groce's 24-second shot clock-driven Fighting Illini in Chicago.</span></p>
<p>The Tigers are back on the hardwood Monday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. CT against Georgia Southwestern for their final exhibition game. The regular season opens at Auburn Arena Friday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. CT, as the Tigers will take on IPFW.</p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2012/10/31/3583762/post-game-thoughtsrunyogasurf2012-10-30T19:41:16-05:002012-10-30T19:41:16-05:00Denson Ruled Academically Ineligible
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<figcaption>Chris Graythen</figcaption>
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<p>Chris Denson won't be able to play basketball for Auburn until at least December.</p> <p>Auburn guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123204/chris-denson" class="sbn-auto-link">Chris Denson</a> is academically ineligible and will not be able to play for the Tigers during the fall semester. The team <a target="_blank" href="http://www.al.com/auburnbasketball/index.ssf/2012/10/auburn_guard_chris_denson_acad.html">announced the news</a> on Denson shortly before Auburn tipped off its exhibition season against Victory Tuesday night.</p>
<p>In a press release, head coach Tony Barbee expressed his disappointment in Denson:</p>
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<p>"I am disappointed Chris did not live up to his expectations, but we support him and will provide him with all the resources he needs to be successful."</p>
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<p>Denson, a 6'3 junior out of Columbus, Ga., averaged 8.7 points in 22.3 minutes per game last season. He shot 36.8 percent from 3 and 63.6 percent from the free-throw line. Denson was often brought in off the bench to provide an offensive spark, which the Tigers may miss during his absence.</p>
<p>While he is ineligible, Denson can practice with the Tigers. He will be eligible to play again after the fall semester ends -- if he gets his grades up. In the mean time, guards <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53410/frankie-sullivan" class="sbn-auto-link">Frankie Sullivan</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36201/josh-wallace">Josh Wallace</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175859/jordan-price" class="sbn-auto-link">Jordan Price</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175865/brian-greene-jr" class="sbn-auto-link">Brian Greene Jr</a>. will try to pick up the slack.</p>
<p>Auburn tips off the regular season Friday, Nov. 9 against IPFW at 7 p.m. CT.</p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2012/10/30/3578708/auburn-tigers-basketball-chris-denson-ineligible-gradesChris Fuhrmeister2012-10-30T19:05:00-05:002012-10-30T19:05:00-05:00What to expect from Auburn in exhibition play
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<figcaption>Crystal LoGiudice-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Tigers open the exhibition season against Victory.</p> <p>You've read the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/102712aab.html">scrimmage report</a>. Maybe, you even read the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/102912aab.html">game notes</a>. We attended last Saturday's scrimmage, and while we knew not to expect to have all our questions answered, here are a few things we expect to see during tonight's exhibition game against Victory (tip-off at 7 p.m. CT).</p>
<p><b>Projected Starters</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53410/frankie-sullivan" class="sbn-auto-link">Frankie Sullivan</a> (6'1, 206) -- The senior guard from Uniontown has all the things that make him an All-SEC candidate -- size, speed, agility -- but he has been plagued by injuries over the past two seasons that limited his minutes on the court, but head coach Tony Barbee has repeatedly said that No. 23 is now 100 percent. Sullivan was just 3 of 9 for eight points on Saturday, but he had three rebounds, two assists and two steals in twenty minutes.</p>
<p><b>Expectation:</b> Effective game management and more consistent shooting. We are looking for the Sullivan that ignited his team before his injury.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53409/josh-wallace" class="sbn-auto-link">Josh Wallace</a> (5'10, 170) -- The Pensacola, Fla., native, also known as the guy on an engineering scholarship, returns for his senior season on a basketball scholarship. Barbee has always praised the guard for playing bigger than his size. His shot has improved over the years and so has the pace of his relentless defense. No. 11 had six points, two rebounds and one steal in Saturday's scrimmage.</p>
<p><b>Expectation: </b>Setting the tone early for defense and creating scoring opportunities from steals. More or less the same of what we always expect from Wallace, which isn't a bad thing at all.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/101070/rob-chubb" class="sbn-auto-link">Rob Chubb</a> (6'10, 255) -- The senior center from Peachtree City, Ga., gets his height from his former collegiate athlete parents -- a basketball player and a volleyball player. No. 44 had a double-double on Saturday with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Barbee has stated several times in the preseason that Chubb is playing with the size and confidence of a senior center.</p>
<p><b>Expectation: </b>Blocks, blocks, blocks. We hope for softer hands for those post offensive-rebound shots.</p>
<p><i>***The College and Magnolia staff has wished for another Hawaii game just so we can bring back #latenightchubb. Oh well. </i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99789/noel-johnson" class="sbn-auto-link">Noel Johnson</a> (6'6, 205) -- The Clemson transfer hails from Fayetteville, Ga., hasn't seen much time because of a wrist injury to his shooting hand last season, so we still don't know a whole lot about the senior guard/forward. Barbee has been pleased to see him step up as a leader on the team. No. 32 was 1 for 2 on Saturday with a total of 3 points.</p>
<p><b>Expectation: </b>Given it is a preseason game, Noel should have the opportunity to properly set up his shot and give us an idea of his shooting range. He's got skills, but an injury to the shooting hand can definitely shake a guy.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123203/allen-payne" class="sbn-auto-link">Allen Payne</a> (6'6, 215) -- The junior forward from Cincinnati is back after a late season-ending injury against Arkansas last year. No. 22 can hound an opponent on defense with the same energy as Wallace but has the length the Barbee looks for in a defender.</p>
<p><b>Expectation: </b>Picking up from where he left off last season. Great speed and cerebral play on defense but we are eager to see him take a few more shots.</p>
<p><strike>We expect junior guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123204/chris-denson" class="sbn-auto-link">Chris Denson</a> (6'2, 175) to come in for the offensive kick.</strike> Well, Denson is ineligible for the fall. So much for that. We also anticipate Barbee will work in the newcomers as well -- <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175865/brian-greene-jr" class="sbn-auto-link">Brian Greene Jr</a>. (6'3, 200) at point guard, Asauhn Dixon-Tatum at center (7'0, 230), Shareif Adamu (6'8, 235) at forward. Be on the lookout for the Shaquille Johnson (6'5, 210), <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175867/jordon-granger" class="sbn-auto-link">Jordon Granger</a> (6'8, 215) and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175859/jordan-price" class="sbn-auto-link">Jordan Price</a> (6'5, 225), too.</p>
<p>Three early-season non-conference games -- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2012/10/15/3510056/charleston-classic-preview">Murray State</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2012/10/25/3557022/a-look-at-illinois">Illinois</a> and Florida State -- will be the biggest indicators of team chemistry before they head into conference play. Win those, and the confidence will be there to storm through the schedule.</p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2012/10/30/3575764/victory-exhibitionrunyogasurf2012-10-26T14:39:00-05:002012-10-26T14:39:00-05:00Looking At A Marquee Date With Illinois
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<p>The Tigers play a marquee game against the Fighting Illini in late December.</p> <p>If you follow college basketball as closely as we do, you might remember a few things from last season about Illinois. Perhaps you remember that the Illini upset the No. 5 team in the nation (Ohio State) in January and were poised to crash the big dance with their 15-3 record. Maybe you recall that <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99887/brandon-paul" class="sbn-auto-link">Brandon Paul</a> scored 43 points in that upset. Perhaps you forgot how they fared. They went on to lose 12 of their last 14 games. Illinois didn't even get invited to dance, and head coach Bruce Weber was fired at the end of the season.</p>
<p>Illinois pursued VCU's Shaka Smart and attempted to lure Brad Stephens away from Butler, but both attempts failed. Instead, they ended up with John Groce from Ohio University. "Ended up" isn't an accurate description, though. In spite of being the third choice, Groce came in with a stellar resume. When he left Ohio, the Bobcats were 85-56 overall. They had Mid-American Conference Tournament titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2010 and 2012. Playing the role of Cinderella in last year's tournament, they were a Sweet 16 team with wins over Michigan and South Florida before losing to North Carolina. It was the second time in school history, and the first since 1964, that they won multiple games in the NCAA Tournament. The Bobcats concluded their season with a record-setting 29 wins and were ranked second in the nation in turnover percentage and third in steals percentage.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 15px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); background-color: #eeeeee;">Groce likes to employ an uptempo offense that can prove exhausting to opponents and forces his own players to make smarter decisions faster. His players explained it in an </span><a style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 15px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);" target="_blank" href="http://www.illinihq.com/sports/illini-sports/mens-basketball/2012-06-30/klee-point-guard-critical-groces-system.html">IlliniHQ.com</a><span style="line-height: 15px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); background-color: #eeeeee;"> article. </span></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We've got a 24-second shot clock now. That puts it into perspective for you, what our offense is going to look like," sophomore <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145490/nnanna-egwu" class="sbn-auto-link">Nnanna Egwu</a> said. "It's fast-paced. Being able to get steals, get on fast breaks, quick outlets. And he's big on conditioning.</p>
<p>"Every player has to be conditioned, from the big men to the guards. We've all got to run and be able to run for 40 minutes a game."</p>
<p>Egwu said practicing under the 24-second clock (instead of the NCAA's 35-second clock) resulted in "some growing pains."</p>
<p>He joked, "There were at least 20 shot-clock violations a day" once the rule was implemented in April. "We're fine with it now," he said.</p>
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<p>It will be interesting to see how Illinois has adapted to Groce's style. Are they are able to bring his relentless defensive energy to life, as well as maintain the breakneck scoring speed of his Bobcats? Illinois finished last season 17-15, averaging 65.6 points per game. The Illini shot 44.1 percent from the field, 30.4 percent from the arc and 71.5 percent from the foul line. They return four starters and five additional lettermen. Sophomore point guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145486/tracy-abrams" class="sbn-auto-link">Tracy Abrams</a>, last season's MVP, will manage the battle plan. Senior guard Brandon Paul (6'4, 200) and DJ Richardson (6'3, 195) along with redshirt junior guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99674/joseph-bertrand" class="sbn-auto-link">Joseph Bertrand</a> (6'6, 195) will supply the points. Look for senior forward <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99888/tyler-griffey" class="sbn-auto-link">Tyler Griffey</a> (6'9, 220) and sophomore center Nnanna Egwu (6'11, 235) to lend a hand, and don't be surprised if they call in graduate student forward <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52581/sam-mclaurin" class="sbn-auto-link">Sam McLaurin</a> (6'8, 220), a transfer from Coastal Carolina.</p>
<p>If the Illini can effectively adapt to Groce's system, the Tigers are in for a wild ride. The two teams meet on the Chicago Bulls' home court, the United Center, on Dec. 29 at 1:15 p.m. CT. The game will be televised on the BigTen Network.</p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2012/10/25/3557022/a-look-at-illinoisrunyogasurf2012-10-23T13:17:00-05:002012-10-23T13:17:00-05:00A Chance For Auburn To String Together A Few Wins
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<figcaption>Jim McIsaac</figcaption>
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<p>A look at Rhode Island, DePaul, Grambling State, Furman, Tennessee Tech and Winthrop.</p> <p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Auburn's non-conference basketball opens and closes with stiff challenges. The Tigers play in the Charleston Classic early and have games against Illinois and Florida State just before the conference season begins. But in between, Tony Barbee's team has a chance to build momentum with a few wins.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Auburn hosts Rhode Island on Nov. 25. This is Dan Hurley’s first season, and he returns two starters (five lettermen overall). The Rams finished the season last year with a 7-24 record and averaged 68.6 points per game. They shot 40.1 percent from the field, 27.8 percent from the 3-point arc and made 69.0 percent of their free throws. When Rhode Island arrives on the Plains, you might see a familiar face in guard, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/101066/andre-malone" class="sbn-auto-link">Andre Malone</a>. He left Auburn in his sophomore year (2010-11) just after the Christmas break. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. CT.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the annual SEC-Big East Challenge, Auburn hosts DePaul. Blue Demons head coach Oliver Purnell enters his third season, coming off a 12-19 record in 2011-12. Last year, DePaul averaged 74.1 points per game. The Blue Demons hit 43.8 percent of their field goals, 33.5 percent of their 3-point shots and made good on 69.6 percent of their free throws. DePaul returns nine players, including four that started at least 15 games last season. The top three returning scorers, juniors <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123447/cleveland-melvin" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Melvin</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123448/moses-morgan" class="sbn-auto-link">Moses Morgan</a> and Brandon Young, are joined by senior Worrell Clahar, junior <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99809/donnavan-kirk" class="sbn-auto-link">Donnavan Kirk</a> and sophomores <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145275/jamee-crockett" class="sbn-auto-link">Jamee Crockett</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145276/charles-mckinney" class="sbn-auto-link">Charles McKinney</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145274/derrell-robertson-jr" class="sbn-auto-link">Derrell Robertson Jr.</a> The game will be aired on ESPNU Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. CT.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Tigers kick off a December slate of games with Grambling State at home on Dec. 11. Joseph Price, in his first season at Grambling and overall, looks to revitalize a squad that closed the previous season with a 4-24 record. The Tigers averaged 54 points per game and shot 35.8 percent from the field, 27.5 percent from the 3-point line and hit 68.8 percent from the foul line. Grambling is led by junior <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52503/quincy-roberts" class="sbn-auto-link">Quincy Roberts</a> (6'5, 210 pounds), who transferred from St. John’s in December 2010. Roberts averaged 23.9 points in just 20 games last season, and he hit 41.0 percent from the field, 32.0 percent of his 3s and was a solid 80.1 percent from the free-throw line. Roberts was named the SWAC newcomer of the year and was a first team All-SWAC selection. He scored 20-plus points in 14 games and had a season-high 34 against Prairie View. Tip-off between Auburn and Grambling is set for 7 p.m. CT.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Next up for the Tigers is a date with Furman at Auburn Arena on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. CT. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123320/jeff-jackson" class="sbn-auto-link">Jeff Jackson</a> finished his sixth season with a 15-16 record last year. Furman averaged 64.7 points per game. The Paladins shot 41.4 percent from the field, 33.7 percent from the arc, and made 71.4 percent of their free throws. Five players that started in 10 or more games last year return, with a total of nine lettermen. Furman is led by junior <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/101003/charlie-reddick" class="sbn-auto-link">Charlie Reddick</a>. Reddick, a 6'5 native from Power Springs, Ga., is the No. 1 returner in points (10.4) and rebounds (4.9). He is joined by senior forward <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52433/bryant-irwin" class="sbn-auto-link">Bryant Irwin</a> and senior guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/29241/bobby-austin" class="sbn-auto-link">Bobby Austin</a>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Tennessee Tech hits the Plains on Dec. 18. Steve Payne heads into his second year with a 19-14 record. Tech averaged 71.7 points per game, 46.5 percent from the field and 35.0 percent from 3. The Golden Eagles were 71.2 percent from the foul line. Tech only returns three starters from last year, but that includes All-OVC first team guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100827/jud-dillard" class="sbn-auto-link">Jud Dillard</a>. The 6'4, 180-pound senior led the conference in rebounds (140) and finished fourth in the conference in points per game (8.8) last season.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Tigers finish up the December home schedule with a game against Winthrop on Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. CT. After a 12-20 season, first year coach Pat Kelsey comes in this year looking to start anew. Winthrop averaged 63.6 points per game last year and shot 42.1 percent from the field, 31 percent from behind the arc and 65.6 percent from the foul line. Winthrop returns without four senior contributors from the 2011-12 season and is also without junior point guard Brandon Vega (torn ACL) for the season. The returning scorer is junior <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124678/joab-jerome" class="sbn-auto-link">Joab Jerome</a>, a 6'5, 197-pound forward that averaged 4.8 points per game last year. He and senior guards <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52685/gideon-gamble" class="sbn-auto-link">Gideon Gamble</a> and Reggie King will be the ones to watch this year.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is still too early to know how the Tigers will fare in these first few games. Given their stats from last year -- 62.6 points per game, 41.7 percent from the field, 30.2 percent from 3 and an abysmal 64.8 percent from the foul line. It is evident the Tigers have to find a 3-point game and improve at free-throw shooting. However, the senior leadership of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53410/frankie-sullivan" class="sbn-auto-link">Frankie Sullivan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/101070/rob-chubb" class="sbn-auto-link">Rob Chubb</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53409/josh-wallace" class="sbn-auto-link">Josh Wallace</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99789/noel-johnson" class="sbn-auto-link">Noel Johnson</a>, coupled with three years in the Tony Barbee system should be enough to keep the Tigers poised and ready for the two bigger out of conference tests – Illinois on Dec. 29 in Chicago and FSU on Jan. 2.</p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2012/10/22/3541714/auburn-non-conference-slaterunyogasurf2012-10-22T14:51:52-05:002012-10-22T14:51:52-05:00Tigers Picked 12th By SEC Media
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Tigers were voted ahead of South Carolina and Mississippi State.</p> <p>The Auburn men's basketball team was picked to finish 12th in the SEC this season by the conference's media. The preseason media poll and all-conference picks <a target="_blank" href="http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/238204/media-tabs-kentucky-as-sec-mens-basketball-champion.aspx">were released Monday afternoon</a>.</p>
<p>Auburn received 95 points in the poll, finishing ahead of South Carolina (54) and Mississippi State (37). Kentucky was picked to win the SEC regular-season title, receiving 17 first-place votes. Florida was voted in second place with five first-place votes. Missouri and Tennessee were picked third and fourth, respectively, and each received one vote to win the conference title.</p>
<p>The complete results of the preseason poll are as follows (first-place votes in parenthesis; total points follow):</p>
<p>Kentucky (17), 328<br>Florida (5), 310<br>Missouri (1), 286<br>Tennessee (1), 269<br>Arkansas, 226<br>Alabama, 222<br>Ole Miss, 186<br>Georgia, 149<br>Texas A&M, 122<br>Vanderbilt, 120<br>LSU, 116<br><b>Auburn</b>, 95<br>South Carolina, 54<br>Mississippi State, 37</p>
<p>Missouri junior guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123927/phil-pressey" class="sbn-auto-link">Phil Pressey</a> was tabbed as the SEC's preseason player of the year by the media. Last season, Pressey averaged 10.3 points, 6.4 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 2.1 steals in 32 minutes per game for the Tigers. He received All-Big 12 honors from various outlets and was named to the conference's all-tournament team.</p>
<p><b>First Team All-SEC<br></b>B.J. Young - Arkansas, G, 6'3, 180, So., St. Louis, Mo.<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/101071/kenny-boynton" class="sbn-auto-link">Kenny Boynton</a> - Florida, G, 6'2, 190, Sr., Pompano Beach, Fla.<br>Nerlens Noel - Kentucky, F, 6'10, 228, Fr., Everett, Mass.<br>Phil Pressey - Missouri, G, 5'11, 175, Jr., Dallas, Texas<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/151265/jarnell-stokes" class="sbn-auto-link">Jarnell Stokes</a> - Tennessee, F, 6'8, 270, So., Memphis, Tenn.</p>
<p><b>Second Team All-SEC<br></b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/101057/marshawn-powell" class="sbn-auto-link">Marshawn Powell</a> - Arkansas, F, 6'7, 240, Jr., Newport News, Va.<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123531/patric-young" class="sbn-auto-link">Patric Young</a> - Florida, C, 6'9, 249, Jr., Jacksonville, Fla.<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145393/kentavious-caldwell-pope" class="sbn-auto-link">Kentavious Caldwell-Pope</a> - Georgia, G, 6'5, 205, So., Greenville, Ga.<br>Alex Poythress - Kentucky, F, 6'7, 239, Fr., Clarksville, Tenn.<br>Michael Dixon, Jr. - Missouri, G, 6'1 , 190, Sr., Kansas City, Mo.<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100015/jeronne-maymon" class="sbn-auto-link">Jeronne Maymon</a> - Tennessee, F, 6'7, 260, Sr., Madison, Wis.</p>
<p>The 2012-13 SEC Basketball Media Day will be held Thursday, Oct. 25 at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover. Auburn opens its season with a home exhibition game against Victory University on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. CT. The Tigers begin regular-season play at home Friday, Nov. 9 against IPFW. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CT.</p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2012/10/22/3539766/auburn-tigers-basketball-sec-preseason-pollChris Fuhrmeister2012-10-18T09:25:00-05:002012-10-18T09:25:00-05:00Charleston Classic Preview
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<figcaption>Crystal LoGiudice-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Auburn meets Murray State in the first round and will face either St. John's or College of Charleston in the second round. The Tigers will close the tournament with a non-bracketed game at Boston College.</p> <p>Auburn opens the season with two exhibition games -- Victory (Oct. 30) and Georgia Southwestern (Nov. 5) -- followed by the first official game (Nov. 9)against IPFW. All three games are at home with 7 p.m. CT tip-offs The Tigers then head north for the Charleston Classic at the TD Arena (Nov. 15) for their first major test of the season. The tournament consists of eight teams -- Auburn, Baylor, Boston, College of Charleston, Colorado, Dayton, Murray State and St. John's. Each team plays one game per day (Nov. 15, 16 and 18), with the two undefeated teams meeting in the final game.</p>
<p>Looking at the potential slate of games for the 2012 Charleston Classic, Auburn's test is more like a midterm than a pop quiz. Auburn opens their tournament action against Murray State and will go on to face either St. John's or College of Charleston. In the Charleston Classic Finale, the Tigers will play a fourth, non-bracketed game against Boston College (Nov. 21) at the Conte Forum in Boston.</p>
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<p><b>2012 Charleston Classic</b><br><i>Thursday, Nov. 15</i><br>Game 1: Dayton vs. Colorado, 11:30 a.m., ESPN3<br>Game 2: Baylor vs. Boston College, 2 p.m., ESPNU<br>Game 3: St. John's vs. College of Charleston, 4 p.m., ESPNU<br><b>Game 4: Murray State vs. Auburn, 8 p.m., ESPN3</b></p>
<p><i>Friday, Nov. 16</i><br>Game 5: W1 vs. W2, 11:30 a.m., ESPNU<br>Game 6: L1 vs. L2, 1:30 p.m., ESPNU<br>Game 7: W3 vs. W4, 4:30 p.m., ESPN3<br>Game 8: L3 vs. L4, 6:30 p.m., ESPN3</p>
<p><i>Sunday, Nov. 18</i><br>Game 9: L6 vs. L8, 11 a.m., ESPN3<br>Game 10: W6 vs. W8, 1 p.m., ESPN3<br>Game 11: L5 vs. L7, 5 p.m., ESPNU<br>Game 12: W5 vs. W7, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2</p>
<p><b>Charleston Classic Finale</b><br><i>Wednesday, Nov. 21</i><br><b>Auburn at Boston College, 2 p.m., ESPN3</b></p>
<p><i>Saturday, Nov. 24</i><br>Charleston vs. Baylor, TBD, ESPN3</p>
<p>*All times are CT</p>
<p>Murray State has won the last three Ohio Valley Conference titles and is already projected to make it four in a row by CBSSports.com. The Racers roared through last year with a 31-2 record, which included a twenty-three game win streak. The Racers were one of thirteen teams to have their midnight madness aired on ESPNU this year. They were the sole mid-major in a collection of traditional basketball powerhouses that included Georgetown, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina and Syracuse. Steve Prohm's Racers return their All-American senior point guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53270/isaiah-canaan" class="sbn-auto-link">Isaiah Canaan</a> (6'1, 195). The Biloxi, Miss., native averaged 19 points per game in 2011-12 -- the 24th leading scorer in the nation. The OVC Player of the Year was 46.8 percent from the field, 45.6 percent from behind the 3-point arc and 87.3 percent from the foul line. Canaan is joined by fellow senior forward <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100799/ed-daniel" class="sbn-auto-link">Ed Daniel</a> (6'7, 228) who hails from Birmingham's Woodlawn High. Daniel was the team's leading rebounder (11th in the OVC) with 5.5 per game and also the team's leading blocker with 50 blocked shots. He went only two games last season without an offensive rebound. </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">How do you beat the Racers? Only two teams from last year can answer that question – Tennessee State and Marquette. Three things have to happen in your favor: scoring points off turnovers, rebounding faster and fiercer than Kim Kardashian, and making the most of the final minutes in the game. Murray State is quick and relentless. Not only is Canaan an excellent game manager, he can go off on a 3-spree. Daniel can attack the boards like there’s no tomorrow. They lost the lead for good to Tennessee State with 4:12 remaining and to Marquette with 6:14 remaining.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Auburn must be able to contain Canaan and win the rebound battles with Daniel. The Tigers have to present a 3-point menace of their own and the big guys have to win it in the trenches. Auburn cannot miss "gimme" scoring opportunities such as free throws and easy layups. The Tigers must force turnovers and maintain critical composure in those last minutes. If there was ever a time to get mean and nasty on D, this is definitely it.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Boston College lost ten letterman from 2010-11 and headed into the 2011-12 season with a dozen new guys. Five starters emerged from the nine freshmen and the three transfers. Needless to say, it was a tough year culminating in a 9-22 record. Those nine wins included a February win over a ranked FSU squad (No. 15). Steve Donahue, in only his third year at Boston College, returns most of his team. While only sophomores, they do have the advantage of having racked up significant playing time last year. The Golden Eagles' go to guy has to be Ryan Anderson (unanimously named to last year’s ACC All-Freshmen Team, along with Duke’s <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145288/austin-rivers">Austin Rivers</a>). He averaged 11.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145117/dennis-clifford">Dennis Clifford</a> returns to the front court with him with 9.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Their back court is projected to consist of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123243/danny-rubin">Danny Rubin</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36404/jordan-daniels">Jordan Daniels</a>, Patrick Heckman and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145116/lonnie-jackson">Lonnie Jackson</a>. Daniels led the team with 82 assists and Jackson was the 3-point guy with a total of 57 for the season. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Auburn cannot overlook Boston College, especially since they meet in Conte Forum on BC's campus. As Boston College looks to gain consistency this year, Auburn can rely on its experienced seniors – <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53410/frankie-sullivan">Frankie Sullivan</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36201/josh-wallace">Josh Wallace</a>, Rob Chubb – for defense. The incoming Tigers and the solid juniors -- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123203/allen-payne">Allen Payne</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123204/chris-denson">Chris Denson</a> -- should be more than enough to give the Eagles fits at home. However, as mentioned before, Auburn has to make a statement with shooting. The Tigers may be able to push the tempo against the Eagles in transition. It is imperative for Auburn to limit fouls, make free throws and find its own rhythm. The BC home crowd will make noise, but Auburn must make noise of its own.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Tigers have the opportunity to make a very big statement in November with just these two games. While a loss for either game will not kill an entire season, two wins can definitely provide confidence before FSU comes to town and SEC conference play begins. We will have a more detailed preview for both games once the season gets underway and we can get a look at all three teams in action. War Damn Hoops and #20PLUS!</p>
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https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2012/10/15/3510056/charleston-classic-previewrunyogasurf