Auburn’s interior defense will need to maintain physicality, communication, and consistency to effectively challenge opponents and succeed postseason.

As the Auburn Tigers head into the postseason, a critical question looms: Can their interior defense step up and punch back when it matters most? Historically, Auburn has made a name for itself with a tenacious defense, and this year is no different. However, in the grind of high-stakes postseason play, where every possession counts and every decision matters, the Tigers will need their interior defense to hold strong and neutralize opposing offenses. This article delves into the state of Auburn’s interior defense, examines its strengths and weaknesses, and explores how it can make an impact in the postseason.

Auburn’s Interior Defense: A Season of Highs and Lows

Auburn’s basketball team has long been known for its aggressive, high-energy defense. Under head coach Bruce Pearl, the Tigers have developed a reputation for creating chaos, pressuring the ball, and forcing turnovers. However, as with any system, there are areas that need constant improvement—none more so than interior defense. In 2024, Auburn’s interior defense has been a mixed bag, excelling at times while struggling at others.

On one hand, the Tigers possess a number of strong, physical players who are capable of defending the rim. Jani Buzelis, a 6’10” forward, has emerged as a formidable presence in the paint, using his length and agility to contest shots and grab rebounds. Johni Broome, the team’s senior forward, has also been a significant factor in defending the paint, serving as a vocal leader on the floor and providing the Tigers with a gritty, tough-minded approach in the interior.

However, at times, Auburn has struggled to consistently protect the basket. Whether due to lapses in defensive rotations, a lack of physicality against stronger opponents, or failure to box out, Auburn’s defense has been vulnerable to skilled big men and high-powered inside offenses. With the postseason just around the corner, Auburn’s interior defense will need to put together a complete and consistent effort to avoid getting exploited.

Strengths of Auburn’s Interior Defense

Auburn’s interior defense has some notable strengths that will be crucial for the Tigers as they enter the postseason. Let’s break down what makes them formidable inside:

1. Shot Blocking and Rim Protection

The first and most obvious strength of Auburn’s interior defense is its ability to block shots and protect the rim. Buzelis is one of the top shot-blockers on the team, with a knack for timing his jumps and challenging shots at the apex. His ability to alter or block attempts in the paint has kept many opponents from finishing at the rim.

Additionally, Broome plays with an aggressive mentality when it comes to contesting shots. He’s not afraid to challenge taller or more physical players, and his timing allows him to pick up blocks in crucial moments. This shot-blocking ability disrupts opponents’ offensive flow and often forces them to rely on mid-range jumpers or long-range shooting, both of which are less efficient than shots in the paint.

Auburn’s ability to force contested shots in the paint will be vital during the postseason, where every possession counts. Whether it’s Buzelis or Broome or another contributor like Chris Moore, Auburn’s shot-blocking presence can make a significant difference in limiting high-percentage scoring opportunities.

2. Rebounding and Physicality

Another area where Auburn excels is in rebounding. Broome, in particular, is one of the team’s best rebounders and plays with an intensity that allows him to dominate the boards. As Auburn’s leading rebounder, Broome has the ability to not only clean the glass on the defensive end but also push the ball in transition after securing a board. The Tigers also get contributions from Jalen Williams and Dylan Cardwell, who are both capable of securing boards in the paint, especially when it comes to offensive rebounds.

In the postseason, rebounding will be a crucial aspect of Auburn’s success. The Tigers need to consistently limit second-chance opportunities for their opponents while creating additional chances for their own offense. Physicality in the paint is essential, particularly against teams with dominant inside players or powerful post scorers.

3. Defensive Versatility

One thing that sets Auburn apart from other teams in the SEC is its defensive versatility. While the Tigers may not always be the biggest team on the floor, they make up for it with speed and agility. Auburn’s interior defenders are mobile, allowing them to switch between players and guard multiple positions when necessary. This versatility gives Auburn an edge against teams with more traditional big men, as they can pull off switches without sacrificing too much defensively.

This defensive versatility was on full display against teams with dual-threat bigs who could score both inside and from the perimeter. Players like Jalen Williams and Chris Moore are capable of guarding multiple positions, allowing Auburn to maintain defensive integrity when facing offenses that have bigs who can step outside and shoot.

Weaknesses of Auburn’s Interior Defense

Despite their strengths, Auburn’s interior defense has not been without its flaws. The Tigers will need to address these weaknesses if they are to make a deep run in the postseason.

1. Size and Physicality Against Larger Opponents

Auburn’s interior defense has sometimes struggled against teams with more size in the post. When facing elite post players who have a clear size advantage, Auburn can get pushed around in the paint. The lack of a true 7-foot center has hurt the Tigers in situations where they need to box out more physically imposing opponents or contend with players who dominate in the low block.

Against certain SEC opponents, Auburn has struggled to keep big men off the glass or prevent easy post touches. While Buzelis and Broome provide solid defense in the paint, they are often giving up a few inches in height or weight to opposing players. Teams that excel at scoring inside, like Kentucky or Arkansas, have been able to exploit Auburn’s lack of true size down low.

To punch back in the postseason, Auburn will need to be more physical and aggressive in these situations. Playing with a chip on their shoulder and attacking the glass with authority will be crucial in battling these bigger teams.

2. Defensive Rotations and Communication

Auburn’s defense is predicated on movement, switching, and rotations. However, they’ve occasionally had breakdowns in communication, leading to missed assignments or players being left open in the paint. These lapses in defensive rotations have led to easy buckets or second-chance opportunities for opponents.

In high-pressure postseason games, these mental lapses can be fatal. The margin for error becomes razor-thin, and failure to consistently rotate and cover the paint can lead to significant scoring runs from the opposition. Auburn will need to sharpen its defensive communication and focus on executing every defensive assignment correctly.

3. Foul Trouble

Another issue that has plagued Auburn’s interior defense at times is foul trouble. Broome, in particular, has found himself in foul trouble during critical moments, which limits his effectiveness on defense. This not only takes one of Auburn’s best defenders off the floor but also exposes the team’s depth, as the Tigers do not have a wealth of experienced interior players to step in and maintain the same level of play.

The Tigers will need to be mindful of their fouls in the postseason, especially when guarding powerful post players. With the heightened physicality of tournament basketball, managing foul trouble will be essential for Auburn to keep their defensive rotations intact.

Can Auburn’s Interior Defense Punch Back in the Postseason?

Heading into the postseason, the key question remains: Can Auburn’s interior defense punch back against elite competition? The Tigers have the tools to succeed in this area—players like Broome and Buzelis are capable of making a significant impact in the paint—but they will need to execute consistently and play with confidence.

In the postseason, Auburn will face some of the most talented bigs in the country, and they’ll need to be at their best defensively. The Tigers’ success will depend on their ability to protect the rim, secure rebounds, and stay disciplined in their rotations. They’ll also need to get physical and match the intensity of their opponents, especially when going up against teams with dominant inside scorers.

Ultimately, Auburn’s interior defense will be a key determining factor in how far the Tigers can go in the postseason. If they can find a way to neutralize opposing big men, dominate the boards, and stay disciplined in their defensive assignments, Auburn will have a real shot at making a deep run. But if they continue to struggle with physicality or communication, their postseason dreams may come to a quick end.

Auburn has shown glimpses of excellence on the defensive end throughout the season, and if they can put it all together, their interior defense will be one of the biggest keys to their success as they chase a deep postseason run in 2025.