The 2025 season begins on the Plains with the No. 22 Tigers hosting Holy Cross.
The Auburn Tigers basketball program is riding high as they enter the 2025 season, entering the campaign as one of the top 25 teams in the nation and carrying high expectations. Ranked No. 22 in the preseason AP Top 25, Auburn will be looking to build upon its successful 2024 season, which saw them continue to cement their place as a powerhouse in SEC basketball under head coach Bruce Pearl. This year’s opener, against the Holy Cross Crusaders, will mark an exciting first chapter in Auburn’s pursuit of a potential National Championship.
The Tigers, who have emerged as one of the most exciting teams in the nation, will be eager to start the 2025 season with a statement win in front of their home crowd on the Plains. Holy Cross, coming off a strong year in the Patriot League, will present a challenge, but Auburn’s blend of talent, depth, and experience has positioned them as the heavy favorites for this opening contest.
As Auburn fans, players, and coaches look ahead to the season, this game represents more than just an early-season tune-up. It is the beginning of what could be a historic year for the Tigers, and they will be aiming to showcase their progress, get valuable game experience, and set the tone for the remainder of the season. Let’s break down what to expect from both the Auburn Tigers and their opponents, Holy Cross, as they prepare to square off in a highly anticipated opener.
Auburn Tigers: A Season of High Expectations
Entering the 2025 season ranked No. 22 nationally, the Auburn Tigers have already established themselves as one of the most formidable teams in the country. Under the leadership of head coach Bruce Pearl, Auburn has been steadily building toward national relevance since he took over the program in 2014. Known for his high-octane, up-tempo style of basketball, Pearl has transformed Auburn into a perennial contender in the SEC, and this season, the Tigers have their eyes set on even greater success.
The Tigers are returning a strong core from last year’s squad, a group that made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament and finished the regular season near the top of the SEC standings. This year, with a mix of returning talent and exciting new faces, they will be looking to take the next step and potentially capture their first-ever National Championship.
Auburn’s expectations are sky-high, but the Tigers know that success is not guaranteed. The opening game against Holy Cross is an important test—not just to start the season off with a win but also to set the tone for the rest of the campaign. There are several key elements that will play a role in how Auburn performs in this opener, including leadership, depth, and individual player performances.
Key Players for Auburn in 2025
Auburn is led by a group of players that represent the future of college basketball. The team is loaded with talent, from upperclassmen who provide experience to younger players who are making an immediate impact. Here’s a look at the key figures for Auburn as they prepare for the season opener.
Johni Broome: National Player of the Year Candidate
One of the most exciting players to watch in college basketball this year is Johni Broome, a 6’9″ guard/forward who has rapidly emerged as a National Player of the Year candidate. Broome is known for his scoring ability, versatility, and leadership on the court. Coming off an excellent 2024 season, he has made significant strides in his game, adding more tools to his offensive and defensive arsenals.
Broome’s ability to score at all three levels—shooting from deep, hitting mid-range jumpers, and finishing strong at the rim—makes him nearly impossible to guard. Add to that his ability to run the floor in transition and contribute as a playmaker, and it’s clear that Broome is one of the best all-around players in the country.
In the season opener against Holy Cross, Broome will likely be asked to set the tone, both offensively and defensively. His leadership and ability to take over games will be critical in ensuring Auburn gets off to a strong start.
Jaylin Williams: Defensive Anchor and Rebounder
On the defensive end, Jaylin Williams has been Auburn’s anchor. Standing at 6’10”, Williams has the size and skill to impact the game as both a shot-blocker and rebounder. His presence in the paint makes life difficult for opposing teams, and his ability to switch on the perimeter gives Auburn flexibility in defending different types of offenses.
Williams has been one of the most consistent players for Auburn, and as the Tigers look to make a deep run in March, his ability to protect the rim and clean up on the boards will be crucial. Against a team like Holy Cross, Williams will need to assert his dominance on both ends of the floor, helping Auburn control the tempo and physicality of the game.
Wendell Green Jr.: Floor General and Scorer
At the point guard position, Wendell Green Jr. will continue to run the show for the Tigers. Green is a skilled playmaker with the ability to score in a variety of ways. His ability to orchestrate Auburn’s offense, create plays for his teammates, and knock down clutch shots makes him an indispensable part of the team’s success.
Green’s leadership will be crucial in Auburn’s opener against Holy Cross. As the point guard, he’ll need to keep the offense flowing, manage the tempo, and make sure the team doesn’t become complacent. His ability to contribute both as a scorer and a distributor will set the tone for how Auburn approaches the season opener.
Yohan Traore: Emerging Star in the Frontcourt
Yohan Traore, a sophomore forward, has the potential to be one of the breakout stars of the 2025 season. Standing at 6’10”, Traore is an athletic big man who has the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He is a strong rebounder, a versatile scorer, and a skilled defender.
In Auburn’s opener against Holy Cross, Traore’s ability to stretch the floor and finish around the rim will be pivotal in establishing Auburn’s dominance in the paint. His progress in 2024 was noticeable, and this season, with more experience and confidence, he will be a major contributor to the Tigers’ success.
Holy Cross Crusaders: A Tough but Outmatched Opponent
The Holy Cross Crusaders, representing the Patriot League, will enter the game as heavy underdogs, but that doesn’t mean they should be taken lightly. They come into this contest with their own set of talented players, and they will likely look to play a disciplined, deliberate style of basketball to keep the game competitive.
The Crusaders are led by Javon Owens, a skilled guard who can score in a variety of ways. Owens is a dynamic playmaker, and Holy Cross will rely on his ability to break down Auburn’s defense and create offense for his teammates. In addition to Owens, Kyle Edwards, a senior forward, is another key player for the Crusaders. Edwards brings experience and toughness, and he will likely be tasked with guarding some of Auburn’s big men, including Jaylin Williams and Yohan Traore.
Holy Cross will look to play a slower-paced game, working the clock and focusing on getting high-percentage shots. They know that the Tigers’ depth and talent may overwhelm them if they don’t control the tempo, so limiting fast-break opportunities will be a key to keeping the game close.
While Auburn is the clear favorite in this matchup, the Crusaders are no strangers to upsets and have had success in the NCAA Tournament in years past. It will be important for Auburn to take this game seriously and execute their game plan, as overlooking Holy Cross could be a costly mistake.
What to Expect in the Opener: Keys to Auburn’s Success
In their season opener against Holy Cross, Auburn will need to execute at a high level in order to start the season off with a commanding win. Here are a few key areas where the Tigers will need to focus:
Pace and Tempo: Auburn plays its best basketball when the game is fast-paced and high-scoring. Look for the Tigers to push the ball in transition, utilizing their athleticism and depth to wear down the Crusaders. However, Auburn will also need to show patience at times, ensuring they don’t take rushed shots or make careless turnovers.
Defense and Rebounding: With the strong frontcourt presence of Williams and Traore, Auburn should have the advantage in both the paint and on the boards. They will need to control the glass and limit second-chance opportunities for Holy Cross. Defensively, Auburn’s ability to pressure the ball and disrupt Holy Cross’s offense will be key to forcing turnovers and getting easy points in transition.
Getting Everyone Involved: While Johni Broome, Wendell Green Jr., and Jaylin Williams will be the focal points of the offense, Auburn is at its best when the entire roster is contributing. Look for Pearl to rotate players in and out, using his depth to wear down Holy Cross. If Auburn can get solid contributions from players like Yohan Traore, Chris Moore, and others, it will be a long night for the Crusaders.
Staying Focused: As the ranked team with a significant talent advantage, Auburn must stay focused and avoid complacency. Pearl’s
teams are known for their energy, but maintaining that intensity from the opening tip to the final whistle will be important. Holy Cross will try to make it a grind-it-out game, and Auburn will need to stay disciplined.
A Strong Start for Auburn
The 2025 season opener against Holy Cross represents an important moment in Auburn’s quest for a National Championship. With high expectations and a talented roster, the Tigers will look to start the season on the right foot with a dominant performance. While Holy Cross will present a challenge, Auburn’s depth, athleticism, and coaching should ultimately be too much for the Crusaders to handle.
This game is more than just a chance to earn a win—it is an opportunity for Auburn to assert its dominance on the national stage and set the tone for the rest of the season. With players like Johni Broome, Jaylin Williams, and Wendell Green Jr., the Tigers have all the pieces in place to compete at the highest level. Fans will be eager to see how this talented squad comes together in their pursuit of a National Championship in 2025.
As Auburn begins the journey of what could be a historic season, the opening game against Holy Cross will be the first step in what they hope will be a successful and unforgettable year on the Plains.
