Hinnen: I apologize to Auburn supporters, but we must discuss a national championship.

Hinnen: I Apologize to Auburn Supporters, but We Must Discuss a National Championship

As the 2024 college basketball season winds down, we find ourselves at a precipice in the journey of the Auburn Tigers. The team has already exceeded expectations, reaching a level of success few could have anticipated at the start of the year. However, as we look forward to the postseason, it is important to address a conversation that, admittedly, may ruffle a few feathers—particularly for some of Auburn’s most loyal supporters.

I’m here to tell you that it is time to talk about a national championship. Not just about the possibility, but about the very real and tangible expectations that Auburn, this 2024 squad, is built to contend for it. I know this might feel premature to some. I know Auburn fans are famously cautious, hesitant to jinx the promise of a successful season. But let’s face it: for Auburn to truly reach its full potential, the conversation about this team cannot simply be about “getting to the tournament” or “advancing to the Sweet 16.” It must be about the ultimate prize—the NCAA national championship.

In this article, I will present the case for why it is time for Auburn supporters, coaches, and players to not just dream about the Final Four but to believe wholeheartedly that they are a legitimate contender for college basketball’s biggest trophy. The time for modest expectations has passed. It is time to expect greatness.

The Auburn Tigers: A Different Breed

Auburn basketball has come a long way in recent years. It wasn’t all that long ago that the program was struggling to stay relevant on the national stage. Under Bruce Pearl’s leadership, however, the Tigers have transformed from a middle-tier SEC team into one of the most competitive programs in the country. The success is not just a flash in the pan; it has been sustained year after year, culminating in one of the most talented rosters in recent memory.

Looking at the 2024 squad, the mix of seasoned veterans and exciting, young talent makes this Auburn team a special one. Players like Chris Moore, Wendell Green Jr., and the electric Jabari Smith Jr. give this team both experience and potential. When you pair that with some of the best recruiting classes in the nation, Auburn has assembled a roster that is both deep and versatile. This is a team that can beat you in a variety of ways, from scoring in transition to locking down on defense.

Perhaps the most striking feature of this Auburn team, though, is its balance. Under Pearl, Auburn has always been known for its fast-paced, pressure defense, and high-scoring offense. But the 2024 Tigers have taken that blueprint and evolved it into something even more formidable. Their defense is tighter, their offense more efficient, and their ability to adapt to different styles of play has made them a nightmare matchup for opponents. When you combine this tactical flexibility with their undeniable talent, Auburn is not just a team capable of making a run to the Final Four—they are a team that can win it all.

The Importance of Player Development

Auburn’s success this season is a testament to the development of its players, especially under the watchful eye of Bruce Pearl. One of the key factors in Auburn’s ability to compete for a national championship is the way Pearl has maximized the potential of his roster.

Take Jabari Smith Jr., for example. At the start of the season, he was already one of the most highly touted players in the country, with NBA scouts keeping a close eye on his every move. However, it wasn’t just his scoring ability that made him such a tantalizing prospect. Pearl and his coaching staff have worked tirelessly to refine Smith’s game, ensuring that he’s not just a one-dimensional player, but a versatile threat on both ends of the floor. His ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and contribute in a variety of ways has been crucial for Auburn’s success.

This commitment to player development isn’t limited to Smith. The continued growth of players like Green, who has blossomed into one of the most well-rounded point guards in the SEC, and Moore, who has improved his offensive game while maintaining his defensive prowess, speaks volumes about the commitment Auburn has made to developing its players both on and off the court. This is a team that has grown together, and that cohesion will be one of their greatest strengths as they make a run toward the national championship.

When you combine individual player development with the team-oriented philosophy that Pearl instills, you have a squad that is primed for greatness. The sum is greater than its parts, and in college basketball, that can be the difference between a Sweet 16 appearance and a national title.

The Road to the National Championship: Navigating the Toughest Tournament in Sports

Now, let’s be clear: the road to the NCAA national championship is never easy. It’s one of the toughest, most grueling tournaments in sports, and every team that enters it is a formidable opponent. But that’s exactly why Auburn’s approach—focused, disciplined, and adaptable—is so important. In the NCAA Tournament, anything can happen, and even the most talented teams are susceptible to being upset. However, Auburn’s ability to play tough defense, execute in crunch-time situations, and come together as a unit will serve them well when the competition gets fierce.

Throughout the regular season, Auburn has shown that they can thrive in high-pressure situations. The SEC is one of the toughest conferences in the country, and the Tigers have held their own against the best teams in the league. They’ve navigated challenging road games, battled back from deficits, and proven that they can win in a variety of ways. They have been tested, and they’ve passed those tests with flying colors.

What stands out most, though, is the mental toughness this team has displayed. The ability to remain focused under pressure is one of the defining qualities of championship teams, and Auburn has shown that they have it in spades. Whether it’s a last-second shot to win a game or a critical stop to seal a victory, the Tigers have proven that they have the poise necessary to go all the way.

There will be no easy road to the Final Four, and Auburn will need to be at their best every time they step on the court. But their defense-first mentality, combined with their offensive firepower, gives them a legitimate shot at advancing deep into the tournament. When the bright lights of March Madness are shining, Auburn will be ready to embrace the moment.

The Fans and the Culture: The Power of Auburn Nation

One of the most unique aspects of Auburn basketball is the passionate fanbase that has supported the Tigers through thick and thin. Auburn fans have long been known for their unwavering loyalty, and the support for this year’s team has been nothing short of electric. Auburn Arena is one of the most intimidating places to play in college basketball, and the energy from the fans has certainly contributed to the team’s success.

However, it’s not just the home-court advantage that makes Auburn’s fanbase so special. The fans are deeply invested in the team’s journey, and they believe in this squad’s ability to achieve greatness. The Auburn family understands the stakes, and they know that this team is capable of doing something truly special. The buzz around the program is palpable, and the excitement of potentially securing a national championship has brought the Auburn Nation even closer together.

This connection between the players and the fans is crucial for Auburn’s championship aspirations. The players feed off the energy of the crowd, and when things get tough, the support from the fanbase can provide that extra push needed to get over the hump. In moments of adversity, Auburn can always count on its loyal supporters to lift them up and keep them focused on the ultimate goal.

The National Championship Mindset

So, let’s talk about it: the national championship. It’s no longer just a dream for Auburn. It’s a very real possibility. With the talent, coaching, and mental toughness this team possesses, the Tigers are primed to make a serious run at the title. But to make that happen, Auburn must adopt the mindset of a champion—something that Pearl has been preparing them for all season long.

In his recent interviews, Pearl has repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining focus on the bigger picture. “We’re not here just to make the tournament,” he said. “We’re here to win it all. Anything less than that would be a disappointment.”

This mentality has permeated the entire program. Auburn is not content with just making a deep run—they believe they can and should win it all. It’s this sense of confidence and belief that has brought them to this point, and it’s what will carry them through the highs and lows of March Madness.