Auburn sits atop South Region in latest projection by Andy Katz
As the college basketball season progresses, all eyes are on the race to the NCAA Tournament, and in the latest bracket projection by Andy Katz, Auburn University has secured a prime spot atop the South Region. This marks an exciting development for Auburn’s basketball program, which has steadily grown into a powerhouse under head coach Bruce Pearl.
With the regular season nearing its conclusion, Auburn’s positioning atop the South Region signals not only their success in the SEC but also the strides they have made in competing with some of the best teams in the nation. This article delves into the significance of this projection, analyzing the factors contributing to Auburn’s rise, their key players, potential obstacles they might face, and what it means for their NCAA Tournament aspirations.
The Road to the South Region’s Top Spot: A Reflection of Auburn’s Growth
Auburn’s placement atop the South Region in Katz’s latest projection reflects the culmination of years of hard work and growth under Bruce Pearl. When Pearl took over the Auburn program in 2014, the Tigers were far from the national spotlight. In fact, the program had struggled for much of the previous decade, lacking consistent success in both the SEC and on the national stage. However, Pearl’s arrival brought a new sense of purpose to the program, combining elite recruiting with an up-tempo style of play that emphasized energy, defense, and versatility.
By 2019, Auburn had not only transformed into a competitive force in the SEC but had also reached the Final Four for the first time in program history. That historic run to Minneapolis captured the hearts of Auburn fans and earned the Tigers national recognition. Since then, Pearl has kept the program on an upward trajectory, maintaining high expectations and routinely competing for top spots in the SEC standings.
In 2024-2025, Auburn has been one of the top-performing teams in the SEC, and their ranking as a No. 1 seed in the South Region is a testament to their consistency and ability to compete against top-tier teams. What makes their position so impressive is that they are not just reliant on one or two players, but rather a well-balanced roster that excels on both ends of the court. This holistic approach has allowed Auburn to build a strong resume that has them firmly in the conversation as one of the top teams in the nation.
Key Factors Behind Auburn’s Success This Season
While the South Region’s top spot is an exciting achievement for Auburn, it isn’t one that’s based on luck. Several key factors have contributed to Auburn’s rise to the top, from standout performances to strategic coaching decisions. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main reasons Auburn is sitting atop the South Region in the latest projection.
Stellar Defense and Pressure-Cooking Tempo
One of the cornerstones of Bruce Pearl’s philosophy has always been defense, and this season, Auburn’s defense is as formidable as ever. Known for their ability to apply relentless full-court pressure and disrupt the opposition’s offensive flow, the Tigers have excelled in forcing turnovers and creating fast-break opportunities. The Tigers’ defensive prowess is one of the main reasons why they are so difficult to beat, especially in the postseason when games can be decided by crucial defensive plays.
Auburn’s defense is led by standout players like Jani Bediako and Zep Jasper. Bediako, a versatile 6’10” forward, has been a force on the interior, averaging multiple blocks per game and altering shots in the paint. Jasper, a veteran guard, has been instrumental in disrupting opposing offenses, applying pressure on the ball and providing leadership in key moments. Together, they’ve helped make Auburn one of the most feared defensive units in the country.
Moreover, Pearl’s commitment to a fast-paced, up-tempo offense has made the Tigers an even more dangerous team. The combination of defensive pressure leading to fast breaks and an offense that can score in transition is what makes Auburn such a well-rounded squad. Their ability to capitalize on turnovers and create easy points in the open court has made them a nightmare for opponents.
Balanced Offensive Attack
While Auburn’s defense gets much of the attention, the Tigers’ offensive attack has been just as impressive this season. Pearl has ensured that Auburn doesn’t rely solely on one player to carry the offense, which makes them difficult to game plan for. Several key players have stepped up throughout the season, providing scoring in different areas of the game.
At the forefront of Auburn’s offense is Johni Broome, the Tigers’ star guard. A dynamic playmaker, Broome has been everything Auburn hoped for when they brought him in from the transfer portal. His ability to drive to the basket, knock down outside shots, and create opportunities for his teammates has been a huge boost for Auburn’s offense. Broome’s playmaking skills have helped keep the offense flowing, and his scoring ability ensures that the Tigers have a go-to player when the game is on the line.
Alongside Broome, Chris Moore has been a reliable scoring option. Known for his athleticism and versatility, Moore can score in a variety of ways, whether it’s with his ability to shoot the three, finish around the rim, or get to the free-throw line. Moore’s presence on both ends of the floor allows Auburn to spread the floor and take advantage of mismatches, making them more unpredictable offensively.
Additionally, Auburn has benefitted from strong contributions by their supporting players. Trey Donaldson, a talented freshman, has provided a spark off the bench, and Wendell Green Jr., the team’s primary point guard, has been instrumental in running the offense efficiently. Auburn’s offensive balance, with multiple players capable of stepping up, ensures they don’t rely too heavily on any one individual, giving them depth and flexibility that few teams possess.
Elite Recruiting and Depth
Auburn’s recruiting success has been another significant factor in their rise to the top of the South Region. Under Bruce Pearl, the Tigers have consistently brought in top-tier talent, and the 2024-2025 roster is no exception. The combination of highly ranked incoming players and the continued development of young talent has given Auburn a roster deep with potential.
The infusion of talent from the recruiting trail has allowed Auburn to maintain a high level of competition within the SEC. Freshmen like Jared Harris and Ben Burnett have provided instant contributions, and Pearl has expertly integrated these newcomers into his system. The Tigers’ depth is evident when you look at their rotation, with multiple players capable of making an impact on both ends of the floor. This depth allows Auburn to remain fresh throughout the game, especially during the grueling SEC schedule.
Pearl’s ability to bring in top-tier recruits year after year, combined with his development of players within the program, has ensured that Auburn remains a perennial contender. With a mixture of upperclassmen and talented underclassmen, Auburn has one of the most well-rounded rosters in the country, a big reason why they are atop the South Region projection.
Impressive SEC Campaign
The SEC is one of the toughest conferences in college basketball, and Auburn has been able to navigate it with relative ease this season. Their impressive SEC campaign includes key victories over top-ranked teams, as well as dominant performances against teams that were expected to provide tough competition.
Games like their blowout win against Kentucky and their narrow victory over Arkansas on the road showcase Auburn’s ability to perform under pressure. Winning in a competitive conference like the SEC not only boosts a team’s resume but also prepares them for the intensity of the NCAA Tournament. Auburn’s record against conference opponents and their ability to win on the road will be key factors in their quest for a deep March Madness run.
What the No. 1 Seed in the South Region Means for Auburn’s NCAA Tournament Aspirations
Being projected as the No. 1 seed in the South Region is a significant achievement for Auburn, as it places them in a favorable position heading into March Madness. The No. 1 seed is often associated with the best teams in the country, and it reflects the Tigers’ outstanding body of work throughout the season.
Path to the Final Four
As the top seed in the South Region, Auburn will have a path to the Final Four that is more favorable than most other teams in the tournament. The South Region bracket is traditionally filled with tough competition, but Auburn’s position at the top of the region means they will face lower-seeded teams in the early rounds. This should give them an advantage, as they will be playing against opponents that may not have the same level of talent or experience.
However, being the No. 1 seed comes with its own set of challenges. The target on Auburn’s back will be bigger than ever, and every team they face will be motivated to knock off the top team in the region. The pressure to maintain their position as the top seed will be immense, but Auburn has shown that they can handle pressure throughout the season. If they can maintain their defensive intensity and offensive balance, they will be well-equipped to make a deep run.
Mentality and Momentum Heading into March Madness
Auburn’s strong play in the SEC has allowed them to gain momentum heading into the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers have faced some of the toughest teams in the country, and their ability to consistently compete at a high level will help prepare them for the rigors of March Madness. If they can carry the momentum from their SEC victories into the tournament, Auburn could very well make a deep run to the Final Four—and beyond.
For Auburn, the biggest challenge will be staying focused and maintaining their composure under the bright lights of the NCAA Tournament. As the top seed in the South Region, they will be expected to deliver on the national stage, but if there’s one thing Bruce Pearl’s teams have shown, it’s their ability to rise to the occasion.
