2005 Auburn Tigers Basketball Preview

2005 Auburn Tigers Team Preview

Auburn has had its ups and downs over the past half-decade. In 2003 they made it to the NCAA Tournament. The year before they had only 12-wins and the year after the NCAA berth only 14-wins. Last season they finished again with 14-wins.

Like Mississippi State, they’ve lost almost all of their scoring and rebounding from the previous season. Teammates that have departed include Quinnel Brown (12.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG), Toney Douglas (16.9 PPG, 5.3 RPG), Nathan Watson (11.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG), and Ian Young (13.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG).

Left from last year are five players, none of who averaged over 7 PPG or 3.1 RPG. Guard/Forward Daniel Hayes is the only returning player and designated starter for this season that played a significant number of minutes in 2004-05. He averaged 6.0 PPG and 3.1 APG. The good news is that he hit from the field 50% of the time.

Guard Michael Woodward has junior college experience and can throw it in from downtown. That will certainly help the Tigers. Two freshmen that will almost certainly see extended time each game are forward Kovotney Barber and forward Joey Cameron.

Barber, a McDonald’s All-American, uses size, skill, and talent to block shots and bang the boards. Cameron, at 6’ 7” and 250-pounds, will not only give the team some much needed bulk, but he’ll bring versatility to the court and an ability to drive inside, hit his shot, and get fouled.

Also at forward is talented USC transfer Emanuel Willis. Another big man-- he’s 6’ 8” and 220-pounds-- Willis will be eligible to play in December. He should be ready to go inside and make things happen around the hoop.

Three other freshmen and one transfer complete the new guys on the court. This is a team that will need contributions from everyone on the bench. Little by little they should improve as the season goes on. Don’t expect miracles; expect progress from the Auburn Tigers.

For more info on the 2005 Tigers check out the official Auburn athletic site.