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NCAA Basketball: Updated WTE 2022-23 power rankings after transfer deadline

By Tristan Freeman

CHAPEL HILL, NC - JANUARY 29: Caleb Love #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts following a basket against the NC State Wolfpack in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center on January 29, 2022 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - JANUARY 29: Caleb Love #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts following a basket against the NC State Wolfpack in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center on January 29, 2022 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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Auburn Tigers guard K.D. Johnson
Auburn Tigers guard K.D. Johnson /

11. Auburn Tigers

2021-22 record: 28-6 (15-3 in SEC)

The Tigers had one of the best frontcourts in the country last season in Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler. However, both of them are off to the NBA. But as usual, head coach Bruce Pearl has found their replacement in quick fashion in Yohan Traore and Morehead State transfer Johni Broome.

Traore is a five-star prospect and former LSU commit for Will Wade got fired there. He’s a 6’11 power forward that can play both positions in the frontcourt. He’ll be paired with Broome, who averaged 16.8 ppg, and 10.5 ppg and was third in NCAA Basketball in blocks last season, just behind his predecessor Kessler. It’s the perfect replacement that should keep Auburn’s defense in good shape.

The backcourt will essentially be the same, led by the trio of KD Johnson, Wendell Green, and Zep Jasper. These guards had their flaws last season but when they were hitting shots, the Tigers were one of the toughest teams to beat. They also have what should be a healthy Allen Flanigan at wing, along with incoming top-50 freshman Chance Westry.

If Auburn lands class of 2022 forward target Julian Phillips, they may have enough more talent on paper than last year’s roster which got a 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. But I doubt anyone will be as good as Smith was so it’ll have to be a group effort to keep the team in SEC title-contending range.

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