SEC Basketball: In-depth conference preview

By Stuart Gill | Nov 3, 2016

Mar 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari shouts during the second half of the championship game against Texas A&M Aggies of the SEC tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky Wildcats won 82-77. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 27, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl reacts during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama won 65-57. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Auburn Tigers

2015-16 record: 11-20 overall, 5-13 in SEC

Head coach: Bruce Pearl

Notable departures: Kareem Canty, Tyler Harris, Cinmeon Bowers, Jordon Granger

Notable returnees: T.J. Dunans, Bryce Brown, TJ Lang, Horace Spencer

Notable newcomers: Five-star SG Mustapha Heron, four-star PG Jared Harper four-star PF Anfernee McLemore, Houston transfer G Ronnie Johnson, Bethune-Cookman transfer F LaRon Smith, redshirt freshman F Danjel Purifoy

Auburn is clearly in rebuild mode as they continue to collect talent for head coach Bruce Pearl to work with. Mustapha Heron’s commitment marked the school’s first consensus 5-star recruit of the Bruce Pearl era. The 6’5” guard aims to lead Auburn back to relevancy in the SEC during his career.

The outlook for the 16-17 campaign remains bleak for Auburn however, as they have lost three of their top four leading scorers from a year ago and lack great depth. Heron and fellow freshman small forward Anfernee McLemore will work with guards T.J. Dunans and Bryce Brown to create a formidable starting unit for head coach Bruce Pearl.

McLemore, a four-star recruit, adds a defensive presence to Auburn’s team as he averaged nearly seven blocks a game in high school at 6’7”.

Bruce Pearl’s group is one that should be worth watching for years to come. But we expect them to struggle against other SEC teams in 2016-17.

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