2010-11 College Basketball Season Preview: Auburn

Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, David Kay and Peter Christian of the The Sports Bank. Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]



MISSING
Auburn Tigers (Last Year: 15-17, 6-10 in SEC)



2010-11 Projected Depth Chart:


F/C: Rob Chubb (So)/Ty Armstrong (So)

PF: Ken Gabriel (Jr)/Adrian Forbes (Jr)

SF: Josh Langford (Fr)/Allen Payne (Fr)

G: Earnest Ross (So)/Andre Malone (So)

PG: Chris Denson (Fr)/Tony Neysmith (Jr)/Frankie Sullivan (Jr)

Gone: PG-DeWayne Reed, G-Tay Waller, SF-Lucas Hargrove, PF-Johnnie Lett, C-Brendon Knox



2010-11 Outlook:
It will be a welcomed season of change at Auburn. They add a new coach, open a new arena and will likely put an entirely new starting five on the floor. While the first two are exciting and much needed steps for the program, the latter likely translates into struggles this season for the Tigers.

Auburn loses four of their five starters from a year ago, and the only returnee Frankie Sullivan underwent knee surgery in July. There is no timetable for his return but I cannot imagine him being ready for the start of the season if at all in 2010-2011. But that has only been the beginning of offseason issues that have popped up for new coach Tony Barbee, who arrives at Auburn from UTEP replacing the fired Jeff Lebo.

Ty Armstrong, who was likely to compete for a starting spot, also suffered a serious knee injury and will likely be sidelined for the year. Add on to that the recent news that expected impact freshman Luke Cohtron and fellow newcomer Shawn Kemp did not qualify academically and will not play for the Tigers this season. That means the Tigers bring back no player who averaged more then 2.8 points per game last season, and will lack serious leadership and depth. Not exactly the ideal way for Barbee to start his tenure at Auburn.





Player to Watch: Josh Langford, SF
With the injuries to Sullivan and Armstrong, and eligibility issues of Cothron and Kemp, Langford is suddenly thrust into the spotlight at Auburn. He was a late signee of Barbee and is a high flyer who should fit well in the Tigers new dribble drive motion offense. He will have every chance to flourish and should see extended playing time right off the bat.



Key Non-Conference Games:
  • 12/11 vs. Rutgers (SEC/Big East Challenge)



    MISSING



    2024 NFL Mock Draft - March 26


    NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22


    Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19


    NFL Picks - Feb. 12