Auburn Basketball: Projected starting lineup and depth chart for 2021-22 season
By Matt Melton
Point Guard
Starter: Wendell Green Jr
The point guard position for the Tigers will feature two transfer guards from the offseason, each of whom will likely see time as the starter at some point this season. However, when looking at which of the two is the more intriguing option as the starter, you could certainly make an excellent argument for Green.
A former three-star recruit from national powerhouse La Lumiere, Green spent his freshman season a year ago at Eastern Kentucky in which he averaged 15.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and 5 APG earning First-Team All-OVC honors. Also drawing the start in 25 of 29 games, Green shot 36.4% from three, as well as ranked within the top 5 in the OVC in points, assists, and steals.
At 5’11, Green is a player who does an excellent job of not only controlling the offense but can shoot from the outside with ease. A true point guard with experience at the position, Green should be the Tigers’ top option at the position, as well as potentially one of the top-scoring point guards in the SEC.
Backup: Zep Jasper
Jasper could serve as one of the most experienced backup point guards in the SEC after starting in 63 of 83 games the past three seasons at Charleston. Looking back at the 2020-21 campaign alone, however, Jasper averaged 15.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and 2.6 APG at Charleston shooting an impressive 43.7% from the field earning Second-Team All-CAA honors in the process.
Jasper is a bigger guard than Green at 6’1, as well as an arguably better option defensively having been named First-Team CAA All-Defense a year ago. Also a talented offensive player, Jasper is clearly the more experienced of the two, and will likely see time this season at both the one and two.
Regardless of who begins the 2021-22 season as the starter, both Green and Jasper will likely see time in a starting role this season, as well as potentially both on the court together, especially early in the year.