Auburn Basketball: 2022-23 season preview and outlook for Tigers
By Joey Loose
Projected Starters
Guard – Wendell Green Jr. (Junior)
After spending his freshman year at Eastern Kentucky, Green made his way to Auburn last year as the backup point guard, though he played starter-level minutes in the backcourt. He averaged 12.0 points and 5.1 assists last year and has chance for further growth this year. He’ll need to improve those shooting numbers, especially from long-range.
Guard – K. D. Johnson (Junior)
A former All-Freshman player at Georgia, Johnson came to Auburn as a sophomore and the former Top 100 recruit became a starter in a backcourt that struggled last season. Johnson averaged 12.3 points a game and fits well into Pearl’s system, with his athleticism especially important. This season, Johnson will hope to improve shooting numbers that took a step down as a sophomore.
Guard – Zep Jasper (Senior)
Previously an All-Defense player in the CAA, Jasper spent three years at the College of Charleston before transferring to Auburn last season, like the rest of this starting backcourt. He plays outstanding defense and has the ability to hit shots from outside, but he’s not the most talented or athletic player on the court. He’s a big part of this Auburn roster, and he’ll hope to put his best foot forward in his final collegiate season.
Forward – Yohan Traore (Freshman)
A 5-star recruit, and one of the best young big man prospects in the nation, Traore should play a major role for the Tigers, much like Jabari Smith did last season. Traore is a physical big who is a great interior scorer and rebounder, but shouldn’t be specifically compared to what Smith did last season. He’ll be a force in the frontcourt this year, especially around the rim.
Forward – Johni Broome (Sophomore)
Last year’s OVC Defensive Player of the Year (and twice named First Team All-OVC), Broome arrives at Auburn as a major new weapon at the back of this offense and defense. He averaged 16.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks per game at Morehead State last season. One of the best mid-major weapons from last season, Broome is a top-level rebounder and shot-blocker who provides another major force in the interior for the Tigers.