What else could Auburn basketball do in the portal, according to Mailbag 205?
In Mailbag 205 from The Auburn Observer, Justin Ferguson delves into Auburn basketball’s strategic maneuvers in the transfer portal, particularly in light of the departures of point guards Aden Holloway and Tre Donaldson. This pivotal shift has prompted Coach Bruce Pearl and his staff to reassess and potentially reshape the backcourt for the upcoming season.auburnobserver.com+1SI+1SI
With Holloway and Donaldson entering the transfer portal, Auburn’s immediate focus has been on securing a seasoned point guard. The commitment of Furman’s JP Pegues marks a significant step in this direction. Pegues, a 6-foot-1 guard, brings a wealth of experience, having averaged 18.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game in the 2023–24 season. His proficiency in various facets of the game, including shooting nearly 36% from beyond the arc and maintaining an assist-to-turnover ratio exceeding 2-to-1, aligns well with Auburn’s needs. auburnobserver.com+1auburnobserver.com+1
Beyond Pegues, Auburn has expressed interest in several other transfer portal candidates to bolster the backcourt:
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Myles Rice (Washington State): A 6-foot-3 guard with a compelling background, Rice averaged 19.1 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game during his high school tenure at Sandy Creek in Georgia. After a redshirt season and a battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, he returned to form, showcasing his scoring and playmaking abilities. His defensive metrics are also noteworthy, making him a strong candidate for Auburn’s system. auburnobserver.com
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Camren Hunter (Central Arkansas): Though sidelined for the 2023–24 season due to injury, Hunter’s 2022–23 performance was impressive, averaging 16.9 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. His size (6-foot-4) and scoring ability could add depth to Auburn’s backcourt. SI
While the influx of new talent is promising, Tahaad Pettiford remains a pivotal figure in Auburn’s backcourt strategy. Initially projected as a scorer rather than a traditional point guard, Pettiford’s versatility allows him to potentially step into a playmaking role if needed. However, Auburn’s pursuit of experienced guards suggests a preference to utilize Pettiford in a more off-ball capacity, allowing him to leverage his scoring prowess without the added responsibilities of primary ball handling. auburnobserver.com+1SI+1
In addition to fortifying the backcourt, Auburn is also eyeing potential transfers to strengthen the frontcourt:
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Great Osobor (Utah State): A 6-foot-8 forward, Osobor averaged 17.7 points and 9 rebounds per game in the 2023–24 season. His scoring efficiency and defensive capabilities make him a valuable prospect to complement Chaney Johnson in the frontcourt. auburnobserver.com+2Sportskeeda+2SI+2
Auburn’s approach to the transfer portal reflects a balanced strategy of integrating experienced talent while nurturing emerging prospects. By targeting seasoned guards like Pegues and considering versatile players like Pettiford, the Tigers aim to maintain competitive depth and adaptability. Simultaneously, addressing frontcourt needs ensures a well-rounded roster capable of contending at the highest levels.SI+2auburnobserver.com+2auburnobserver.com+2
As the transfer portal landscape continues to evolve, Auburn’s proactive and strategic engagement positions the program to effectively navigate these changes, ensuring sustained success in the competitive SEC environment.
