Auburn vs. Xavier: Key storylines to watch in Maui Invitational matchup

SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 16: Aubie the Tiger, mascot for the Auburn Tigers, performs as they take on the Charleston Cougars in the first half in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 11: Samir Doughty #2 of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams in action against the Richmond Spiders during the semifinals of the Atlantic 10 Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 11, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Impact of transfers for each team

As mentioned earlier, Coach Steele of Xavier went to the transfer market to replenish the talent pool that All-Big East performance Trevon Bluiett and JP Macura left behind. Three of the Musketeers rotation players are all grad transfers, including D-II forward Zach Hankins. He’s averaging 10.3 ppg and 6.0 rpg as the primary reserve to both Marshall and Tyrique Jones.

The most grad transfer for Xavier may be Ryan Welage, currently averaging 12.0 ppg. As a junior at San Jose State, the 6’9 forward scored over 18 ppg and was the only scoring option on a bad team. With better teammates surrounding him, the career 39% three-point shooter will have plenty of opportunities to succeed. Those four bigs creates one of the best frontcourts in the Big East.

Auburn also has a transfer making a big impact for them this season in Samir Doughty. The former VCU guard is tied for the team lead with 15.0 ppg on 59% shooting. He’s taken advantage of opponents focusing on their frontcourt players while also displaying great hands, averaging 4.5 steals a game per 40 minutes. Doughty is only playing 20 mpg, so a good performance in the Maui Invitational will not only solidify him as a starter alongside Harper but also give him an increase in minutes.

Home/Auburn Tigers