Auburn basketball secured another big man from the transfer portal, adding valuable depth and strength to their frontcourt.

In recent years, Auburn basketball has become a program that consistently competes at a high level within the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Under the leadership of head coach Bruce Pearl, the Tigers have evolved from a team that was once overlooked into a nationally recognized powerhouse. With their impressive style of play, notable recruiting classes, and strategic use of the transfer portal, Auburn is positioned as a serious contender in college basketball. One of their latest moves in their quest for continued success is the addition of a key player from the transfer portal: a big man who promises to add significant depth and strength to their frontcourt.

This acquisition, which adds another piece to an already talented roster, is one of the many steps Bruce Pearl and his coaching staff have taken to build a team that can compete with the elite programs in college basketball. For Auburn, the commitment of a player from the transfer portal has become an essential part of their strategy for maintaining a competitive edge.

Auburn’s Emphasis on the Transfer Portal

The transfer portal has changed the landscape of college basketball, allowing players who are unhappy with their current situation or seeking more playing time to move to new programs. This development has had a profound impact on how teams build their rosters. Instead of relying solely on high school recruits, many teams—including Auburn—have increasingly turned to the portal to fill in gaps, address weaknesses, and bring in experienced players who can contribute immediately.

Auburn has fully embraced the transfer portal as part of their recruiting strategy. Over the past few years, the Tigers have seen success in adding talent from the portal, with players like Johnny Broome and Wendell Green Jr. contributing immediately and helping to elevate the team’s competitiveness. Auburn’s willingness to recruit players who have already played at the collegiate level ensures that they can bring in individuals who are physically and mentally prepared to compete in the SEC.

While the portal has been a valuable tool for Auburn, it is not without challenges. The key to success in the portal is making the right choices—finding players who not only fit into the team’s system but who also possess the skills and mentality needed to make an immediate impact. This is particularly true when it comes to adding frontcourt players, which often represent a significant part of a team’s defensive and rebounding efforts.

The Importance of Big Men in College Basketball

In college basketball, the importance of a dominant big man cannot be overstated. While the game has evolved with a greater emphasis on perimeter shooting and guard play, having a reliable center or power forward who can control the paint remains a critical asset for any team hoping to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. A strong big man can provide several key advantages to a team, including:

• Defensive Presence: A skilled center can protect the rim, alter shots, and create difficulties for opposing teams trying to score in the paint. Players who can anchor a defense are often the backbone of elite teams.
• Rebounding: Controlling the boards is essential for any team looking to win games, especially in high-intensity conferences like the SEC. A big man who excels at rebounding can provide second-chance opportunities for their team while limiting them for the opposition.
• Offensive Versatility: A center who can score efficiently in the post, as well as stretch the floor with a mid-range jumper or even three-point shooting, makes the offense much more difficult to defend. Centers are often asked to set screens, roll to the basket, and provide valuable inside scoring.
• Team Balance: A skilled big man helps balance a team’s offense and defense, ensuring that the squad is not overly reliant on perimeter play. This balance can make the difference in close games.

Given the emphasis on size and strength in college basketball, Auburn’s decision to target a big man in the transfer portal makes a lot of sense. The addition of another player capable of anchoring the frontcourt, providing rebounds, and offering scoring potential inside will make the Tigers an even more dangerous team in the SEC.

Auburn’s Recent Success with Big Men

Auburn has a history of success with big men, and their recent efforts in the transfer portal suggest that they are committed to maintaining a strong presence in the frontcourt. Under Bruce Pearl, the Tigers have had several standout big men who contributed to the team’s success, including players like Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler.

• Jabari Smith: Smith, a 6-foot-10 forward who played for Auburn during the 2021-2022 season, was one of the top players in the country. His combination of size, skill, and versatility made him a highly coveted NBA prospect. Smith’s time at Auburn helped elevate the Tigers to new heights, and his presence on the court created numerous advantages for the team both offensively and defensively.
• Walker Kessler: Another dominant big man for Auburn was Walker Kessler, a 7-foot center who transferred to Auburn from North Carolina. Kessler’s shot-blocking ability, rebounding skills, and post moves were invaluable to the Tigers’ success. He played a major role in Auburn’s run to the No. 1 ranking in the 2021-2022 season and was eventually selected in the first round of the NBA Draft.

With the Tigers losing some of these key pieces to the NBA, the team has had to rebuild and adjust, but their commitment to recruiting big men remains intact. The addition of another big player from the transfer portal signals Auburn’s desire to continue playing the type of basketball that has led to their success in recent years—aggressive defense, a balanced offensive attack, and a dominant presence in the paint.

The New Big Man: What He Brings to Auburn

The latest addition from the transfer portal is poised to make an immediate impact. While the exact details of his stats and previous experience are still emerging, the general expectation is that the new big man will offer substantial benefits to Auburn’s frontcourt. Standing at 7 feet tall, this player will be able to provide Auburn with an immediate physical presence in the paint.

One of the most important contributions this player is likely to bring is his defensive ability. As a 7-footer, he will be able to protect the rim and challenge shots at the basket. His height and wingspan will create significant challenges for opposing players trying to finish in the paint, especially in high-stakes games where defense can often make the difference between a win and a loss.

In addition to his defensive contributions, the new big man will also likely help Auburn’s rebounding efforts. Rebounding is one of the most crucial aspects of basketball, and his size will help Auburn secure more second-chance opportunities while limiting the opposition’s ability to do the same. His presence on the glass will allow the Tigers to maintain possession and control the tempo of the game, a key factor in fast-paced matchups.

On the offensive end, Auburn fans will expect their new big man to provide scoring in the post and potentially extend his range to the mid-range or beyond. His ability to stretch the defense by hitting mid-range jumpers or three-pointers would add another layer of versatility to Auburn’s offense, allowing the team to space the floor and generate open shots for their guards and wings.

The combination of these skills will make Auburn even more dangerous as they look to contend for a top spot in the SEC. The new big man will be a key piece of a well-rounded team that will be able to execute both inside and outside game plans with success.

What This Means for Auburn Basketball in 2025

With this latest acquisition, Auburn enters the 2025 season with a strong and balanced roster. The addition of a big man from the transfer portal ensures that the Tigers will have the size and strength to compete with the top teams in the SEC. Auburn’s frontcourt now boasts a legitimate rim protector, rebounder, and inside scorer—elements that are essential for success in a conference that is known for its physical style of play.

Auburn’s fast-paced offense, which is built around pushing the ball up the floor and generating open shots, will be complemented by a stronger inside presence. This balance will allow Auburn to control both ends of the court, making them a well-rounded and dangerous team to face. With a combination of experienced transfer players and talented recruits, Auburn is in a strong position to challenge for the SEC title and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Furthermore, the Tigers’ use of the transfer portal highlights a new trend in college basketball, where teams are able to plug in experienced players who can contribute immediately. Auburn’s ability to build a roster through both high school recruits and the transfer portal shows the program’s versatility and adaptability in the modern landscape of college basketball.