NCAA Basketball: Strengths and weaknesses of each top-25 team for 2022-23 season

16. Auburn Tigers

Strength: Improved depth

The Tigers are a team that had a projected starting lineup but questions were about how the bench would look. After their own overseas tour to Israel, two players stood out in backup center Dylan Cardwell, as well as freshman wing Chance Westry. Both players looked great and not only should be part of the rotation, but Westry could be going for a starting spot at the small forward position.

With the returning guards in the backcourt and Johni Broomer and Yohan Traore in the frontcourt, Auburn’s core is fairly set in stone. Now, the addition of more contributors makes them even more formidable in the SEC next season.

Weakness: Inefficient shooting guards

KD Johnson and Wendell Green were solid guards for Auburn last season, each averaging over 12.0 ppg and having some big outings. The one flaw in both of their games was the shooting numbers, with Johnson shooting 39% (29% from deep) and Green shooting 37% (32% from deep) overall. Those numbers collectively weren’t good enough at times and the Round of 32 loss to Miami (8/24 combined) was evident of the low ceiling this duo can have when the shots aren’t falling.

Without Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler to lead the frontcourt, the Tigers are going to rely on the veteran guards to run the offense. They’ll have to be more efficient from the field to avoid those “low points” and have better odds at making a run in March.