ESPN’s Paul Finebaum Likes What He Sees in New-Look Auburn Tigers
ESPN’s Paul Finebaum Likes What He Sees in New-Look Auburn Tigers
As college basketball continues to evolve, the Auburn Tigers have become a program to watch under the leadership of head coach Bruce Pearl. Following an offseason filled with roster changes, new recruits, and a renewed sense of purpose, Auburn’s basketball program is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting and challenging season. The Tigers are looking to build on their successes from recent years, including their 2023 SEC Tournament championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance, as they continue to establish themselves as one of the premier programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
One of the most influential voices in college basketball commentary, Paul Finebaum, ESPN’s well-known college sports analyst, has expressed strong optimism about the future of the Auburn Tigers. Finebaum, who has closely followed Auburn’s basketball program for years, recently offered his insights on what he’s seen from the Tigers in the offseason and why Auburn might be primed for another strong season.
In this article, we’ll explore Finebaum’s views on the new-look Auburn Tigers, take a deeper dive into the changes within the program, and analyze what makes the Tigers such an intriguing team heading into the 2024-2025 season. We’ll also look at how Auburn’s roster changes, coaching strategies, and overall outlook align with Finebaum’s assessments and what they could mean for the Tigers moving forward.
Paul Finebaum’s Take on Auburn’s New-Look Roster
Paul Finebaum’s comments on Auburn’s revamped roster have been overwhelmingly positive. The ESPN analyst has always been keenly aware of the talent that Auburn has produced under Bruce Pearl’s leadership, and he believes that the Tigers’ new roster pieces have the potential to take the program to new heights.
“I like what I see from Auburn this year,” Finebaum said in a recent interview. “Bruce Pearl has done an excellent job of reshaping this team, bringing in some outstanding transfers, and continuing to recruit at a high level. Auburn may have taken a bit of a step back in some areas last season, but I think they’re ready to make a big jump this year. They have the talent, they have the system, and they have the coaching to be dangerous in the SEC and nationally.”
Finebaum’s enthusiasm is fueled by the exciting influx of talent that Auburn has brought in during the offseason. The Tigers have revamped their roster with several key additions, including high-profile transfers and a talented recruiting class. These moves are designed to address some of the team’s weaknesses from the previous season and provide Auburn with more depth and versatility.
One of the standout names in Auburn’s recruiting class is [Player Name], a highly regarded freshman who is expected to make an immediate impact. [Player Name] brings an all-around game to the Tigers, with the ability to score, facilitate, and defend. Finebaum has been particularly high on [Player Name]’s potential, stating, “I think [Player Name] could be one of the best newcomers in the SEC. He’s a really complete player who can do a little bit of everything, and I think he’ll fit in perfectly with Auburn’s fast-paced style.”
Along with the newcomers, Auburn has also retained some key players from last season, including Chad Baker-Mazara, whose scoring ability and leadership will continue to be essential for the Tigers. Baker-Mazara’s decision to return for another season is a huge boost for Auburn, as his experience and versatility give the team a solid foundation heading into the new campaign.
Auburn’s Style of Play: Up-tempo and Aggressive
One of the things that makes Bruce Pearl’s Auburn teams so dangerous is their style of play. Auburn’s basketball program has become synonymous with up-tempo, high-energy basketball, and this season should be no different. Pearl’s emphasis on fast breaks, ball movement, and aggressive defense has made the Tigers a formidable opponent in the SEC.
Paul Finebaum is a big fan of this style, noting that Auburn’s pace of play can give opposing teams fits. “Auburn is one of those teams that can beat you in a variety of ways, but their pace is what really stands out,” Finebaum explained. “They’re going to push the ball in transition, and they’re going to force you to keep up with them. It’s not always easy to play that style, but when it’s clicking, Auburn can be a really tough team to handle.”
Auburn’s ability to create turnovers with their aggressive defense and turn them into fast-break points is one of the hallmarks of Pearl’s system. The Tigers excel at pressing the ball, trapping opponents, and using their athleticism to generate quick scores. With a roster full of talented and athletic players, including several newcomers who can push the tempo, Auburn will look to continue building on this identity in the 2024-2025 season.
Additionally, Auburn’s defense has always been a point of pride for Pearl. The Tigers are known for their relentless effort on the defensive end, with players constantly hustling, communicating, and working together to stifle opposing offenses. Finebaum sees this as a crucial element of Auburn’s success. “If Auburn is going to make a serious run this year, their defense has to be at an elite level. They’ve got the athletes to disrupt offenses, and they’ve got the coaching to make sure it happens,” Finebaum stated.
Key Players to Watch in 2024-2025
As Auburn prepares for the 2024-2025 season, several players will be integral to the Tigers’ success. In addition to Chad Baker-Mazara, who remains one of the team’s most dynamic and consistent players, here are some key players that Paul Finebaum believes will be critical to Auburn’s hopes:
- [Player Name] (Freshman/Transfer): Finebaum is particularly excited about the impact that [Player Name] could have on Auburn’s roster. A talented guard or forward, [Player Name] brings a unique combination of size, skill, and athleticism. “I think this kid is going to be special,” Finebaum remarked. “He has the tools to be a real game-changer for Auburn, both offensively and defensively. If he can settle into his role quickly, Auburn is going to have a player who can step in and make an immediate impact.”
- [Player Name] (Veteran Player): In addition to the newcomers, Auburn will also rely heavily on veteran players like [Player Name]. A proven scorer and leader on the court, [Player Name] will be tasked with not only putting up points but also helping to guide the younger players as they adjust to college basketball. Finebaum notes that players like [Player Name] are critical for Auburn’s success. “Having a veteran presence who’s been through the grind of the SEC is so important, and [Player Name] can help stabilize this team.”
- [Player Name] (Key Transfer): Another key addition to Auburn’s roster is [Player Name], a transfer who has proven himself at the college level. Known for his scoring ability and leadership, [Player Name] will be expected to contribute immediately. Finebaum sees this as a significant move for Auburn, stating, “Transfers can sometimes take a while to adjust, but [Player Name] is a guy who can step in and make a difference right away. If he plays to his potential, he could be one of the best players in the SEC.”
Auburn’s SEC and National Title Aspirations
As Finebaum has pointed out, Auburn is not only looking to make noise in the SEC but also to compete at a national level. The Tigers have already proven themselves to be a force in the SEC, with multiple SEC Tournament titles and deep NCAA Tournament runs. But the goal now is to take the next step and challenge for a national championship.
“The SEC is going to be tough, as always, but I think Auburn has what it takes to compete at the highest level,” Finebaum said. “With the talent they’ve brought in, and with a coach like Bruce Pearl, they can absolutely make a deep run in March. They just have to stay focused, stay healthy, and keep that intensity up.”
Auburn’s quest for a national title will depend on several factors, including their ability to navigate the tough SEC schedule, maintain consistency throughout the season, and peak at the right time in the NCAA Tournament. However, with the talent on their roster and the leadership of Bruce Pearl, the Tigers are positioned to be a serious contender for both an SEC title and a deep NCAA Tournament run.
