2006 Auburn Tigers Basketball Preview

2006 Auburn Tigers Basketball Predictions

The Auburn Tigers are one of those teams on the upswing, but it’s a slow upswing. They are a young group defined by athleticism and potential. The team is better than last season’s club that was 12- 16 overall and 4- 12 in the SEC West, which tied them for 5th in their division.

As a freshman Quantez Robertson (8.0 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.6 APG, 36.2 FG%, 68.4 FT%) started at point guard last season and was third in assists per game in the SEC. He’s back for his second season. Rasheem Barrett (11.1 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 46.4 FG%, 75.4 FT%) returns at shooting guard after putting up solid numbers in his first season. Frank Tolbert (9.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, 43.1 FG%, 57.8 FT%) and Daniel Hayles (5.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 37.8 FG%, 66.7 FT%), both juniors, are solid shooters and good rebounders.

For the most part, the Tigers’ frontcourt has been undersized. Forward Quan Powell is a 6’ 8”, 210-pound junior who transferred from Furman. Powell is not huge but he’s tough to defend against inside and two years ago at his former school he averaged 15.2 PPG and 5.6 RPG. He also has a good outside shot. Korvotney Barber (6.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 0.4 APG, 57.4 FG%, 40.0 FT%) and Josh Dollard (9.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.2 APG, 44.5 FG%, 68.3 FT%), both sophomores, will get the other two nods for the front. Both recently added some muscle and bulk.

In his first two years at Auburn, coach Jeff Lebo (26- 33 overall) has made progress as he’s desperately tried to stabilize the program. The good news is that all five starters from last season have returned. The not so good news, at least for the present, is that four of the starters are sophomores and the other a junior.

The team lacks size but may be able to compensate by using ball movement and the quick transition game. Don’t look for the Tigers to be in the NCAA Tournament this year but a NIT bid, although not certain, is achievable.

If you want more info on the 2006 Auburn Tigers College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Arkansas Razorbacks and Ole’ Miss Rebels.