NCAA Basketball: Preseason top 25 power rankings for 2023-24 season
![Feb 4, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer (right) talks to center Kyle Filipowski(30) during the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils won 63-57. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports Feb 4, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer (right) talks to center Kyle Filipowski(30) during the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils won 63-57. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/bb52e296a28486f57a674451ad7390b53ddc6de439f0523ef2f01133b68f016a.jpg)
25. Auburn Tigers
2022-23 season record: 21-13 (10-8 SEC)
Despite getting a 9 seed and making the Round of 32, it felt as if the Tigers disappointed a bit, considering they had so many seniors on the roster. They did lose three key starters in guards Zep Jasper and Wendell Green, along with wing Allen Flanigan. A case can be made though that the backcourt had run its course and some new blood could raise the ceiling for the Tigers.
Along with the returning KD Johnson and Tre Donaldson, Auburn brought in two big names in the backcourt. One is Aden Holloway, a five-star prospect ranked in the top 20 overall who is a true point guard. Joining him is Denver Jones, a 6’4 shooting guard transfer from Florida International who averaged 20.1 ppg on 37% shooting from three-point range.
The frontcourt remains intact, led by star big man, Johni Broome. He was one of the top transfers a year ago, leading Auburn with 14.2 ppg and 8.4 rpg, along with 2.4 blocks per game. Dylan Cardwell, Jaylin Williams, and Chris Moore are back as well.
The trio of new forwards the Tigers have will be interesting to watch, as they’re non D-I newcomers. Both Chad Baker-Mazara and Addarin Scott are talented JUCO combo forwards, while Chaney Johnson is an elite wing from the D-II ranks. They’ll need at least one of them to break out but Auburn projects to be another talented defensive unit, while being just a little more efficient on the offensive end.