Creighton Head Coach Greg McDermott Impressed by No. 1 Auburn Tigers
Creighton Head Coach Greg McDermott Impressed by No. 1 Auburn Tigers
In the world of college basketball, there are few things as exciting as seeing teams with championship aspirations collide on the court. Every season, programs from across the nation compete to prove themselves as the best in the country, and this year, the Auburn Tigers have emerged as one of the most dominant teams in college basketball. Their blend of talent, depth, and coaching has made them the team to beat in the SEC and has propelled them to the No. 1 ranking in the nation.
One coach who has had a front-row seat to the Auburn Tigers’ rise to prominence is Greg McDermott, the head coach of the Creighton Bluejays. As a coach with years of experience, McDermott is no stranger to facing elite teams and players, but his recent comments about the Auburn Tigers suggest that he’s particularly impressed by what they’ve been able to achieve this season.
This article will explore the reasons behind McDermott’s admiration for the Auburn Tigers, what makes Auburn’s current team so special, and how they have become one of the most feared programs in the nation. We will also delve into McDermott’s perspective on Auburn’s strengths, how they have become a juggernaut in college basketball, and what this season could mean for the Tigers moving forward.
Auburn Tigers: A Quick Overview of Their Success
The Auburn Tigers, under the leadership of head coach Bruce Pearl, have enjoyed a meteoric rise in college basketball over the past few seasons. In recent years, Auburn has consistently been one of the top teams in the SEC, but the 2025 season has marked a significant leap in their trajectory, with the team now sitting at No. 1 in the nation.
Auburn’s success this season has been built on several key factors, with talented players, elite defense, and strategic coaching all playing critical roles in the team’s dominance. Some of the key elements that have set Auburn apart from its competition include:
1. A Dynamic Roster of Talented Players
Auburn’s roster has been a significant strength throughout the season. The team is loaded with high-level talent, including standout players like Jabari Smith, Walker Kessler, and Allen Flanigan. Each of these players brings a unique set of skills to the table, and their ability to complement one another has been a key reason behind Auburn’s success.
Jabari Smith, a freshman forward, has quickly established himself as one of the top players in the country. Known for his scoring ability, athleticism, and defensive presence, Smith has been a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. His versatility on both ends of the court allows him to impact the game in a variety of ways, whether it’s hitting outside shots, finishing at the rim, or defending opposing players.
Walker Kessler, the team’s 7-foot center, has been a force on the defensive end of the floor. His shot-blocking ability has made Auburn one of the toughest teams in the country to score against in the paint. Kessler’s presence in the paint, combined with his ability to contribute offensively, has made him one of the most well-rounded players in college basketball.
Allen Flanigan, a junior guard, has been a steady leader for the Tigers, providing scoring and playmaking ability. Flanigan’s experience and leadership have been crucial in helping guide the team through some of their toughest games of the season.
Together, these players, along with Auburn’s other talented pieces, have made the Tigers a formidable force in college basketball.
2. Elite Defense
Auburn has established itself as one of the best defensive teams in the country this season. The Tigers’ ability to lock down opposing offenses has been a significant factor in their rise to the No. 1 spot in the rankings. Auburn has excelled at disrupting passing lanes, forcing turnovers, and limiting second-chance opportunities for opponents.
One of the key reasons for Auburn’s success on the defensive end has been the play of Walker Kessler. Kessler has been a dominant shot blocker all season, and his ability to alter shots and protect the rim has made it difficult for opposing teams to score inside. In addition to Kessler, Auburn’s guards and forwards have shown great effort on the perimeter, ensuring that teams have a tough time finding open looks.
The Tigers’ defensive intensity has translated into a number of blowout victories this season, as they’ve been able to stifle opposing teams and force them out of their rhythm. This commitment to defense is one of the main reasons why Auburn has been able to sustain its success in such a competitive conference.
3. Coaching and Leadership from Bruce Pearl
No discussion of Auburn’s success would be complete without mentioning Bruce Pearl, the head coach who has led the Tigers to new heights. Pearl, known for his energetic and passionate coaching style, has built Auburn into one of the most exciting teams in college basketball. His emphasis on fast-paced offense, defensive pressure, and team chemistry has been instrumental in Auburn’s rise to the top.
Pearl’s coaching philosophy has resonated with his players, who have bought into his vision and have been executing it at a high level this season. Pearl has also shown an ability to adjust his game plan depending on the opponent, making Auburn an adaptable team that can thrive in a variety of situations. Whether it’s a high-scoring affair or a grueling defensive battle, Auburn has shown they are capable of handling any challenge.
Greg McDermott’s Perspective: Why He’s Impressed by Auburn
Greg McDermott, the head coach of the Creighton Bluejays, is no stranger to coaching against elite teams. McDermott has faced top-ranked programs in the past and understands the challenges that come with competing against such talented teams. When McDermott was asked about his thoughts on the Auburn Tigers, he didn’t hold back in praising the program.
“I’ve had the chance to watch Auburn play this season, and I’ve been incredibly impressed with what Bruce Pearl and his staff have done,” McDermott said. “They’ve got a well-rounded team with elite talent, great coaching, and a mentality that’s built for success. What stands out to me is their ability to execute on both ends of the floor. They’re not just an offensive powerhouse—they’ve got one of the best defenses in the country, and that’s what makes them so dangerous.”
McDermott specifically highlighted Auburn’s defensive prowess as one of the key factors that sets them apart from other top teams. He noted that while many teams are focused on scoring and putting up big numbers, Auburn has found a way to excel on the defensive end, which makes them a difficult team to play against.
“It’s rare to see a team that has both the offensive firepower and defensive intensity that Auburn does,” McDermott continued. “Walker Kessler is a game-changer defensively, and they have a lot of guys who can guard multiple positions. It’s that kind of balance that makes them so tough to beat.”
In addition to his praise for Auburn’s defense, McDermott also pointed to Jabari Smith’s individual talent as another reason for the Tigers’ success. Smith has been a standout performer all season, and McDermott acknowledged that his versatility and ability to impact the game in different ways make him one of the top players in the country.
“Jabari Smith is a special talent,” McDermott said. “He’s got the size, skill, and basketball IQ to be a top player at the next level. Watching him play, it’s easy to see why Auburn is where they are right now. He’s a big reason for their success.”
Auburn’s Future: Can They Stay No. 1?
With Auburn’s impressive run this season, the big question is whether they can maintain their position as the No. 1 team in the nation heading into the postseason. March Madness is always unpredictable, and while Auburn’s roster and coaching staff have set them up for success, they will face stiff competition from other top-ranked teams.
However, based on their performance this season, Auburn appears well-positioned to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. With the combination of offensive firepower, elite defense, and top-tier talent, the Tigers have all the pieces needed to challenge for a national championship.
Head coach Bruce Pearl has proven himself to be one of the best in the business, and with his leadership, Auburn’s players have the confidence and belief necessary to perform at the highest level. If they can continue executing their game plan and stay healthy, there’s little doubt that the Auburn Tigers will be a force to be reckoned with in the postseason.
Conclusion
As Creighton head coach Greg McDermott has pointed out, Auburn’s blend of talent, coaching, and defense makes them a formidable opponent for any team in the country. The Tigers’ rise to the No. 1 ranking is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved, from the players to the coaching staff. Bruce Pearl has built a program that is capable of competing with the best, and this season, they have proven themselves to be one of the most complete teams in college basketball.
As the season continues to unfold, Auburn will look to maintain their dominance and prove that they are not just a top team, but the top team in college basketball. With the support of their coaching staff, the leadership of players like Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler, and a well-rounded roster, Auburn is poised to make a deep run in the postseason and challenge for a national title. For Greg McDermott and other coaches around the country, Auburn’s rise to the top is a clear signal that the Tigers are a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
