NCAA Basketball: Ranking the top 25 team backcourts for 2022-23 season

While the frontcourt duo of Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler took the starring role on Auburn last season, transfer guards KD Johnson and Wendell Green were very good contributors as well. Both guards averaged at least 12.0 ppg, while Green was one of the best passers in the SEC last year, putting up 5.1 apg.

The one issue with the duo was their efficiency. While both took more than 10 FGA a game, neither shot over 40% from the field, or 31% from three-point range. There were too many times Smith saved them from losses when the guards would struggle from the field. They’ll have an even bigger role on the offense next season as the team leaders but the percentages will have to improve in order for Auburn to be a conference title contender.

There’s also going to be a lot of attention on returning wing Allen Flanigan. After averaging 14.5 ppg as a sophomore, an offseason injury took him out of the rotation until SEC play. He did play 22 games but never really looked the same, putting up just 6.5 ppg last season. If the sophomore version of Flanigan returns, as well as an impact from top-40 freshman guard Chance Westry, the Tigers’ backcourt can be a force in the SEC.