In the most recent KenPom update, where does Auburn stand?

In the Most Recent KenPom Update, Where Does Auburn Stand?

As the 2024-2025 college basketball season unfolds, the KenPom rankings continue to be a significant point of reference for assessing teams’ overall performance, efficiency, and potential to make deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. The KenPom rankings, developed by analyst Ken Pomeroy, are one of the most respected sources in the college basketball world, providing a comprehensive look at the metrics that matter most: offensive and defensive efficiency, tempo, and strength of schedule. For teams like Auburn, which is consistently a contender in the SEC and on the national stage, where they stand in the KenPom rankings is a key indicator of their trajectory and prospects for success.

In this piece, we will examine Auburn’s current position in the most recent KenPom update, analyzing the factors that have contributed to their ranking, how they compare to other top teams, and what their standing tells us about their prospects for the rest of the season.

Auburn’s Current Standing in the KenPom Rankings

As of the most recent update, Auburn is ranked in the Top 10 on KenPom, sitting firmly in the #5 spot overall. This ranking places them among the elite teams in the country and reflects their strong start to the season. The KenPom rankings take into account a variety of factors, but what stands out most about Auburn’s position is their balance between offensive firepower and defensive prowess, two areas where they’ve excelled so far this season.

Auburn’s offensive efficiency has been one of the key drivers behind their strong ranking. With a high-rated offense, they’ve been able to score efficiently both in transition and in half-court settings, benefiting from a combination of great shot creation, excellent ball movement, and a team-first mentality. On the defensive side, Auburn has maintained one of the best defensive ratings in the nation, which has been pivotal in their ability to stifle opposing offenses and disrupt scoring opportunities.

However, what really stands out about Auburn’s KenPom ranking is how well-rounded they are as a team. Rather than being defined by one dominant aspect of their game—whether it’s offense, defense, or transition play—Auburn’s success can be attributed to their ability to excel in multiple facets. This well-rounded approach is a hallmark of teams that consistently perform well in the KenPom rankings and can make deep runs in the NCAA Tournament.

Breaking Down Auburn’s KenPom Efficiency Ratings

KenPom rankings are largely based on two key metrics: offensive efficiency and defensive efficiency. Let’s take a closer look at Auburn’s efficiency numbers to understand where they stand in both areas and how these have contributed to their success.

Offensive Efficiency

As of the most recent update, Auburn is ranked in the Top 15 in offensive efficiency, sitting at #12 overall. This ranking highlights the Tigers’ ability to score the basketball in a variety of ways and execute their offense with precision. Several factors contribute to their strong offensive showing:

1. Scoring Depth: Auburn has multiple scoring threats, with several players capable of carrying the offense on any given night. Whether it’s a star player like Johni Broome, a veteran leader who can score in a variety of ways, or other key contributors who can step up and make plays, Auburn’s ability to spread the wealth offensively has been a big advantage.
2. Shot Selection: Auburn’s offense has become more efficient this season thanks to smart shot selection. They avoid settling for bad shots, and their offense has been built on a balanced attack. They are capable of scoring both inside and outside, using a mix of post plays, mid-range shots, and three-point shooting to keep defenses guessing.
3. Transition Play: Auburn’s ability to generate points in transition is another major reason for their offensive success. With their athleticism and speed, they can capitalize on turnovers and fast-break opportunities, often converting them into easy buckets before the opposing defense has a chance to set up.

Defensive Efficiency

On the other side of the ball, Auburn is ranked #7 in the nation for defensive efficiency, a ranking that reflects their ability to suffocate opposing offenses and create turnovers. Auburn has built its success on defense over the years, and this season has been no different. Several key factors have contributed to their defensive dominance:

1. Versatile Defenders: Auburn has multiple players who can guard at least two positions, and in some cases, three. This versatility makes it difficult for opposing offenses to find mismatches. Whether it’s switching on ball screens or applying full-court pressure, Auburn’s defensive scheme is built on adaptability and strength.
2. Rebounding: Auburn’s ability to control the boards plays a pivotal role in their defensive success. Their size and athleticism allow them to limit opponents’ second-chance opportunities, which reduces the overall efficiency of opposing offenses. By controlling the glass, they ensure that the opposing team doesn’t get multiple attempts on a single possession, which contributes to their strong defensive ratings.
3. Pressure and Turnovers: Auburn has consistently forced turnovers, leading to transition opportunities that fuel their offense. Their ability to apply full-court pressure and force difficult shots has allowed them to disrupt the flow of many opponents. This defensive intensity is a major reason for their ranking among the top teams in the country.

Tempo and Style of Play

In addition to their offensive and defensive efficiency, another important metric that KenPom factors into their rankings is tempo, or the number of possessions a team averages per game. Auburn plays at a fast pace, ranking in the Top 40 nationally for tempo. Their up-tempo style of play is designed to create opportunities for both their offense and defense.

The Tigers’ high tempo benefits their athleticism and allows them to wear down opponents over the course of a game. They can quickly transition from defense to offense, creating fast-break opportunities and forcing their opponents to play at a pace they may not be comfortable with. While some teams prefer to slow the game down and limit possessions, Auburn thrives in the chaos, using speed and efficiency to generate scoring chances.

Strength of Schedule and Performance Against Ranked Opponents

Another significant factor in Auburn’s KenPom ranking is their strength of schedule. In order to achieve a top-tier ranking, a team must not only win games but do so against quality competition. Auburn has faced tough opponents both in the SEC and in non-conference play, and their performance in these games has reflected their strength as a team.

Auburn’s early-season matchups have included games against high-quality teams from across the country, including several programs ranked in the Top 25. Their ability to perform well against these teams and secure victories has helped solidify their standing in the KenPom rankings. The more quality wins a team can accumulate, the higher they’ll rank, and Auburn’s competitive schedule has allowed them to prove themselves as one of the best in the nation.

Comparing Auburn to Other Top Teams

As Auburn continues to climb the KenPom rankings, they find themselves in elite company, with only a few other programs sharing the same level of efficiency. Teams like Kansas, Duke, and Arizona all rank highly, and Auburn’s current position in the Top 5 demonstrates that they are not far behind these national powerhouses.

When comparing Auburn to other teams in the SEC, they stand head and shoulders above their competition. Kentucky and Tennessee, both traditionally strong programs, have also shown promise this season, but Auburn’s balance between offense and defense sets them apart as the team to beat in the conference.

Auburn’s Path Forward: What the Rankings Mean for the Rest of the Season

While the KenPom rankings are an excellent tool for measuring a team’s overall efficiency, they are by no means the final word on a team’s potential. As the season progresses, teams can rise and fall in the rankings based on their performance, and Auburn’s challenge will be maintaining their efficiency as they head into the heart of SEC play.

Auburn’s high standing in the KenPom rankings suggests that they have the potential to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Their balance on both ends of the floor and their ability to play at a fast pace will be critical in tournament settings, where matchups and adjustments play a huge role in success.