Deng and Geis join Auburn women’s basketball for the spring semester.

As the Auburn Women’s Basketball team continues to build toward its goals for the 2025 season, two new players have joined the squad for the spring semester, significantly bolstering the team’s depth and talent. Deng, a dynamic forward, and Geis, a talented guard, bring a wealth of potential that Auburn head coach Johnnie Harris hopes will help propel the Tigers to new heights in the coming months. With the Auburn Tigers looking to make a deeper push in SEC and NCAA competition, the addition of these two athletes provides much-needed firepower and versatility.

The Significance of the Additions

The addition of Deng and Geis is a crucial development for the Auburn Women’s Basketball program, which has been steadily improving over the past few seasons. While the Tigers have been competitive in the highly challenging SEC, they have faced challenges in terms of depth and consistency, particularly when injuries or player performance dips occurred. With the 2025 season in full swing, these two additions come at a critical juncture, where the team’s potential for success hinges not only on individual brilliance but also on strong team dynamics and cohesion.

By joining the team in the spring semester, Deng and Geis have an opportunity to make an immediate impact in the latter half of the season. Auburn’s head coach, Johnnie Harris, is excited about the new dynamics these players bring to the squad, as both have the ability to contribute in different areas of the game.

Deng: A Versatile Forward with Big Potential

Deng, a forward with a well-rounded game, brings versatility to the Auburn lineup. Standing at an impressive 6’3”, she combines size and skill, making her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Deng is known for her strong rebounding abilities, aggressive scoring inside, and an improved shooting range. She can stretch the floor with her ability to hit mid-range shots and even three-pointers, which adds an extra dimension to Auburn’s offense.

Deng’s presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively, will provide Auburn with a much-needed physical presence. Rebounding, particularly on the defensive end, has been an area of focus for Auburn in previous seasons, and Deng’s ability to secure boards will be a significant boost for the Tigers. In addition to her rebounding, Deng’s post moves and finishing ability around the rim make her a threat in the paint, while her ability to step out to the perimeter will force defenders to cover more ground, opening up space for her teammates.

Deng is also a player who brings energy to the floor. Her motor never seems to stop, and that intensity is infectious. With her leadership and relentless play, she has the potential to elevate the Tigers’ defense, as her length and athleticism will be key in both defending the post and closing out on perimeter shooters.

The transition to the SEC will undoubtedly be a challenge for Deng, as she’ll face some of the nation’s top talent every week. However, she has the physical tools and work ethic to succeed in this high-pressure environment. Deng’s ability to quickly adapt and contribute to the team’s system will be critical in Auburn’s success as they enter the second half of the season.

Geis: A Guard with Playmaking Ability

Joining Deng is Geis, a highly skilled guard who brings a diverse skill set to Auburn’s backcourt. Known for her basketball IQ, ball-handling, and scoring ability, Geis is expected to add a level of versatility and depth to Auburn’s offense. Whether it’s creating scoring opportunities for herself or her teammates, Geis has the capability to take control of the game and influence it from the guard position.

Geis’ ability to break down defenses with her dribbling and vision makes her a natural playmaker. Her passing skills allow her to find open teammates in transition and in half-court sets, providing the Tigers with another playmaking option alongside their current guards. With her ability to orchestrate Auburn’s offense, Geis has the potential to be a difference-maker, especially when it comes to pushing the ball in transition and creating fast-break opportunities.

Beyond her passing, Geis is also a capable scorer. She is a dangerous threat on the perimeter, capable of knocking down three-pointers, which opens up driving lanes for her and her teammates. Her mid-range game and ability to finish around the basket add another layer to her offensive game. Geis’ well-rounded scoring ability will help balance Auburn’s attack and make it more difficult for opponents to predict the Tigers’ offensive strategy.

On the defensive end, Geis is also an active and tenacious player. Her ability to disrupt passing lanes, create turnovers, and apply full-court pressure will provide Auburn with an added dimension defensively. As a guard, she can be a pest in the backcourt, which will help the Tigers maintain a high level of defensive intensity throughout the game.

Geis’ arrival at Auburn also allows head coach Johnnie Harris to explore more lineup flexibility. She has the capability to play multiple positions within the backcourt and can be paired with various players to create a more balanced attack, especially as Auburn continues to work toward maximizing their offensive efficiency.

What Deng and Geis Bring to Auburn’s System

Head coach Johnnie Harris has established a strong foundation for Auburn Women’s Basketball, emphasizing a team-first approach, aggressive defense, and a balanced offensive attack. Deng and Geis are perfect fits for this system, bringing specific skill sets that complement the Tigers’ core players.

Deng, with her inside-outside game, will fit well in the frontcourt rotation alongside Auburn’s existing post players. Her versatility allows her to play both as a traditional post player and as a forward who can stretch the floor. Auburn’s emphasis on movement and ball movement will allow Deng to shine, as she can space the floor for other players while also taking advantage of mismatches in the paint.

Geis, with her ability to handle the ball, make plays, and score, will allow Auburn to run more dynamic offensive sets. Her playmaking ability will help spread the floor, allowing guards and wings to create open shots, while her defensive tenacity will bolster Auburn’s already solid perimeter defense. Additionally, her ability to drive to the basket and finish strong will provide another scoring option, particularly when the Tigers need to create offense in late-game situations.

With the addition of Deng and Geis, Auburn’s depth improves significantly, particularly in areas where they’ve needed improvement. Deng adds strength and rebounding in the frontcourt, while Geis brings offensive creativity and defensive energy to the backcourt. Together, these two players have the potential to take Auburn to the next level in the SEC, providing them with the tools needed to compete with some of the nation’s top teams.

Impact on Auburn’s Season and Future

Auburn’s addition of Deng and Geis could not come at a better time for the program. As the team heads into the second half of the season, these two players have the opportunity to make an immediate impact and help the Tigers push for a higher seed in the NCAA Tournament. With both players expected to contribute in key areas, Auburn now has more flexibility and options when it comes to game strategy.

The SEC is a highly competitive conference, and Auburn’s success will depend on how well Deng and Geis can integrate into the team’s system and chemistry. However, with their talent and potential, these two players could help Auburn push into the upper echelon of SEC basketball, giving the Tigers a legitimate shot at postseason success.

Furthermore, the addition of Deng and Geis for the spring semester gives Auburn a competitive edge in recruiting moving forward. The successful integration of these players into the program will show other recruits that Auburn is a place where talent is nurtured, and playing time is earned. As Auburn looks to build on their recent successes, attracting high-quality players to the program will be crucial, and Deng and Geis’ impact could help pave the way for future recruits to consider Auburn as a top destination.