It’s been a wild past few days for Bruce Pearl’s program. Both good and bad.
On Tuesday, Auburn received news from Allen Flanigan that he would return for his junior season.
“As many of you know, playing in the NBA has always been my lifelong dream, but I also have other goals and dreams, like becoming an All-SEC player or award finalist and leading this team to something special like an SEC championship or NCAA Tournament,” Flanigan wrote on Instagram. “With that being said, I will no longer be focusing on the 2021 NBA Draft. I’m coming back! The journey continues… let’s be great!”
Flanigan stepped up to the plate, averaging 14.3 points per game last year. Flanigan played out of position at point guard for a chunk of last year due to Justin Powell and Sharife Cooper’s absence. Flanigan is the son of former Auburn point guard and current Auburn assistant coach Wes Flanigan. He is expected to be a first round draft pick in the 2022 NBA draft next year.
Also on Tuesday, Auburn landed Arkansas transfer Desi Sills. The 6’2 shooting guard announced his commitment to the Tigers via Instagram and Twitter.
“I’m going somewhere I can be Desi Sills and not be (held) back,” he said on Instagram when he entered the portal. “That’s that on that. I’m a certified (bucket), y’all will see in the near future.”
Sills had a up and down year at Arkansas. He finished the year with 7.5 points per game and was an average 31.8% from three point range. While his points per game aren’t impressive, keep this in mind. Sills was injured around mid season last year. His points per game before injury were just under 15 per game. Since the injury sidelined him, it allowed others to step up for the Razorbacks as Sills’ playing time decreased when he was back from injury. It was apparent also that the injury played a factor in him being less efficient shooting the ball. The left handed Sills, injured his left shoulder, which obviously effects his shot.
If Sills can get back in form, and return to being as great a scorer as he has in the past, he may push for a starting spot. Sills will be a senior on the Plains, as he spent three years in Fayetteville.
Auburn faced some down news on Thursday. 4-star shooting guard signee Trey Alexander re-opened his recruitment, meaning he won’t join the Tigers after all. Alexander committed in November of last year, and signed a week after. Alexander is a fantastic shooter, which would’ve helped Auburn tremendously. Sills’ commitment may have been the factor in his decision to decommit.
Some good, some bad. Overall, the Tigers are in amazing shape. There’s still a couple of spots open on the roster. Pearl can still add more if he chooses.
War Eagle.
War Eagle Daily 