SEC Basketball: Way-too-early 2019-20 preseason power rankings
By Dakota Cox
2. Auburn Tigers
Auburn is fresh off one of the greatest runs to a Final Four in recent memory. They defied the odds, shot the lights out, and found a way to beat Kansas, North Carolina, and Kentucky in three straight games. In a year without any actual Cinderella stories, Auburn was the closest we had to a true underdog.
That being said, it’s no guarantee that they will get back to the Final Four any time soon. It’s their first time making it there in Auburn history, and they were a 5-seed for a reason. Looking into the new year, there are a lot of questions that must be answered.
Bryce Brown is obviously going into the NBA Draft because he is a senior, but it is not yet certain who will follow. Jared Harper wasn’t believed to have much draft stock due to his height, but his play this year has put him on the map. His stock might never be higher than it is right now, so that could factor into his decision. Chuma Okeke was considered to be a possibility to declare, but an ACL tear might keep him in Auburn for another season. Even if Brown is Auburn’s only loss from this team, that will be a big hole to fill.
On the bright side, Auburn will have a top-20 recruiting class with three 4-star players who could all play as freshmen. Look for Tyrell Jones to play some in the absence of Brown, and Isaac Okoro to play just because he’s a great player.