|
| INSIDE THE NUMBERS |
|
2000-01 record: 12-16;
4-12 in SEC (6th/West)
Postseason: None. Last NCAA apperance was in 1999.
RETURNING LEADERS
Points: Daniels 11.6
Rebs: Daniels 5.3
Assists: Daniels 4.1
FG: Killingsworth 52.9%
3pt: Daniels 35.5%
FT: Bird 69.0%
01-02 Stats:
Auburn | SEC
KEY LOSSES
A. Harrington | 10.1 ppg
PROJECTED STARTERS
G | Lewis Monroe | Soph
G | Derrick Bird | Senior
C | Kyle Davis | Junior
F | M. Killingsworth | Soph
F | Mar. Daniels | Senior
Player to Watch
Marquis Daniels
Senior Forward
Natural SF has been asked to play all five positions as a Tiger.
DATE TO REMEMBER
When Tigers play Western Kentucky, usually the Sun Belt squad would be the one looking to make its name by beating the SEC team. But this one shapes up exactly the opposite. An Auburn win would be a big springboard into the rest of the season.
|
AUBURN TIGERS
 |
Since the high-water mark of 29-4 in 1999, it's been steadily downhill for the Tigers and Cliff Ellis. Auburn won 24 the next year, then 18, then 12 last year -- including 4-12 in the SEC and 0-9 on the road. This doesn't look like the bounce-back season. Though you never know. Five players who started at least nine games are back. Whether that's a good thing remains to be seen. None averaged more than 11.6 points. That scoring average belonged to 6-6 forward Marquis Daniels, who also led the team in rebounds (5.3), assists (4.1) and steals (1.9). That's an MVP resume that was lost amid the losses. But Daniels and his sidekicks have to figure out how to shoot the ball (42 percent from the field, 32 percent from three-point range, an abysmal 59 percent from the foul line) to take a step forward. With six newcomers, incumbent starters could be thrown out of office if they start slowly. Freshman guard Steve Leven, an Australian who attended a North Carolina prep school last year, showed the ability to help from the perimeter by making three three-pointers in Auburn's first exhibition game.
TOUGH ENOUGH..............................
If center Kyle Davis can stay healthy enough to play more than 20 minutes per game, if Daniels can continue his versatility, if Derrick Bird (or someone) can make 3-pointers with regularity, Auburn will have a nucleus. If a supporting cast steps up, there is room for a significant step back up the ladder.
TOUGH ENOUGH?..............................
Ten of Auburn's 16 losses were by six points or less. Shoot less than 60 percent from the foul line and commit a ghastly 132 more turnovers than you have assists, and you have some symptoms. The Tigers would benefit greatly from a rock-steady point guard who can distribute, handle, penetrate and hit the key free throws at crunch time.
BOTTOM LINE..............................
Ellis says the postseason is the annual goal on The Plains. This year it could be tricky. Auburn might creep up from last year's 12-win total, but not by much -- perhaps not enough to break .500 and make the NIT.
| |
|
