NCAA Basketball: Top 25 preseason power rankings for 2021-22 season

Last year’s Auburn roster had real potential but a combination of injuries and academic issues with star freshman point guard Sharife Cooper derailed any hopes of a postseason bid. And most of those key guys are gone, as Cooper and forward JT Thor went pro, while Justin Powell transferred to Tennessee.

The Tigers went to the transfer portal to reload the talent pool and landed several impact pieces. Most notably was bit man Walker Kessler, a 7’0 center transfer from UNC that played limited minutes in a loaded frontcourt but when given minutes showed All-American potential. He’ll be paired in the frontcourt with five-star freshman power forward prospect Jabari Smith, a potential “one and done” recruit, along with returning forward Jaylin Williams to give them plenty of depth.

The key to Auburn’s season will be how the newcomer perimeter players look. KD Johnson averaged 13.5 ppg off the bench as a freshman at Georgia on efficient numbers and already has shown that he can produce at the SEC level. We’ll have to see whether the two mid-major transfers can, especially Wendell Green, the likely starting point guard. As a freshman at Eastern Kentucky, the 5’11 playmaker averaged 15.8 ppg and 5.0 apg and has lead guard experience. Zep Jasper had a breakout junior campaign at College of Charleston, going for over 15 ppg as well.

With veteran returners Devan Cambridge and Allen Flanigan both capable of going for double-digits from the wing position, Auburn has plenty of firepower on paper but right now is more potential than a sure bet. Head coach Bruce Pearl will likely get this roster going, although the absence of Flanigan until January via an injury will hurt them out the gate a bit.