The news is out and the dust is settling. Yesterday evening, a very talented basketball player announced his commitment to Auburn. Last week, another did the same.
On Friday, point guard transfer Wendell Green Jr announced his transfer to Auburn. This news came a few days after star guard Sharife Cooper declared for the NBA draft. Green is a star and nothing short of it. As a freshman last year, he averaged 15.8 points per game with Eastern Kentucky. Green will be a sophomore for the Tigers. At 5’11, Green is a smaller guard. At first you’d think his size is concerning. But Jared Harper, who is arguably the best point guard in Auburn’s history, was only 5’11. And J’Von McCormick was 6’0. Both of these guards succeeded under Bruce Pearl. Green will do the same.
After a quick glance at Green’s highlights, you can tell that he has the chance to be special. He’s quick, agile, can easily create space under the basket, and can pull up from deep and get a quick three points. Flashes of J’Von McCormick are evident in his game.
While Green’s commitment is important, there was much more buzz about Auburn’s more recent pickup from the portal. On Monday night, Walker Kessler, a center from North Carolina, let everyone know via Instagram, that he would be joining Auburn. Kessler was a 5-star out of high school, because of his great defense and dominant paint scoring. As a freshman at UNC, Kessler only averaged 4.4 points per game. But he was only given an average of 8.8 minutes per game. Kessler was lost in the shuffle of talent in Chapel Hill. But with few points per game, why is everyone so excited? Good question. For one, he’s a giant. 7’1 to be accurate. He is also, in my opinion, the best rim protector in the country. Kessler’s highlights are littered with blocks. But not only blocks. The guy can get a rebound. I expect him to get a few double doubles of at least ten points and at least ten rebounds. Kessler’s long arms and large frame allow him the ability to dominate the paint. And by the way, he’s a pretty good shooter too. In fact, he’s the whole package. And he’s now an Auburn Tiger.
The Tiger’s also have guard Zep Jasper transferring in from Charleston. But wait, there’s more. Bruce Pearl can add two more players if he chooses. Who might they be? 5-star point guard recruit TyTy Washington is still uncommitted, and Auburn is a top school for him.
Auburn’s arch rival Alabama, had a good basketball season last year. A sweet sixteen appearance and an SEC Championship prompted several recruits and transfers to pick the uprising Tide. And as it was hard to see them land such incredible talent, Bruce Pearl had a plan. And that plan has panned out, and has pleased the fans, and the players.
Auburn sports has had a down year. Football went 6-5. Men’s Basketball went 13-14. Women’s Basketball was 5-19. Baseball is currently 12-16. That’s in the past. Look at the future, It’s very bright for Auburn sports. Things are changing on the Plains. Now we get to sit back, enjoy a nice offseason as fans, and when fall comes, football will be a revamped team. Basketball will be a dominant team.
War Eagle.
War Eagle Daily 