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NCAA Basketball: Updated early top-25 rankings for 2021-22 after NBA Draft deadline

By Tristan Freeman

Mar 20, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Ochai Agbaji (30) dunks the ball against the Eastern Washington Eagles during the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Ochai Agbaji (30) dunks the ball against the Eastern Washington Eagles during the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball NBA Draft Bruce Pearl Auburn Tigers (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
NCAA Basketball NBA Draft Bruce Pearl Auburn Tigers (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

525. . . . Tigers . 20. team

There was no surprise that freshman guard Sharife Cooper was going pro, even after just 12 games played in college. He averaged around 20 ppg and had some amazing performances so he was ready to go. But there was a little surprise with JT Thor, a 6’10 freshman that averaged 9.4 ppg and 5.0 rpg this past season. Yet his measurables and raw talent made scouts fall in love and after seeing his respective stock soar into the first round, Thor opted to stay in.

The good news for Auburn is that the frontcourt will be just fine. Five-star power forward prospect Jabari Smith will be an impact starter, while UNC center transfer Walker Kessler is a consensus pick for a breakout campaign next season. Double-digit scoring forward Jaylin Williams is back, along with Chris Moore and Dylan Cardwell to add depth.

The key for the Tigers will be how the new-look perimeter operates. Transfer newcomers JD Johnson, Wendell Green Jr., and Zep Jasper will share the ball-handling duties while returning guards Devin Cambridge and Allen Flanigan should be impactful starters.

They’ll be one of the younger teams in the SEC but has plenty of talent. As long as they have a true point guard/ball-handler to facilitate the offense, Auburn will be a threat in the top half.

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