After months full of talking about the hypothetical matchup, the time has now officially come for episode No. 1 of the 2024-25 “IBOB,” or the “Iron Bowl of Basketball,” between two of the nation’s premier college basketball programs, as well as in-state rivals, the Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers.
Taking a look at Auburn in particular however, most Alabama fans likely know just how good the Tigers have been so far this season, but in the event that some don’t, it’s not hard to see why.
Not only does Auburn have a stellar record, but the Tigers, similar to Alabama, have been ranked among the nation’s top teams throughout the season, and have a deep and talented roster that is led by one of college basketball’s top players, just like the Crimson Tide.
Let’s take a deeper look at the Tigers, and list a few things that you need to know about Auburn ahead of their trip to Tuscaloosa this Saturday.
Auburn Basketball 2024-25 Team Overview
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Team Name: Auburn Tigers
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Conference: SEC
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Arena: Neville Arena, Auburn, Alabama
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2024-25 Record: 22-2 overall (10-1 in SEC)
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Ranking: No. 1 in AP Poll, No. 2 in Coaches Poll
The Auburn Tigers come into Saturday’s game sitting at 22-2 overall as the No. 1 ranked team nationally in the AP Poll, as well as 10-1 in SEC play. Auburn’s record in SEC play is currently tied for first in the conference’s standings with Alabama, and also trail only the Crimson Tide for the No. 1 ranking in the Coaches Poll.
Auburn Basketball 2024-25 Coaching Staff
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Head Coach: Bruce Pearl
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Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator: Steven Pearl
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Assistant Coach: Ira Bowman
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Assistant Coach: Corey Williams
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Assistant Coach: Chad Prewett
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Assistant Coach/Offensive Coordinator: Mike Burgomaster
Leading the Tigers program is long-time head coach Bruce Pearl, who is in the middle of season No. 11 at Auburn where he owns a combined 236-121 overall record. Pearl has led Auburn to the NCAA Tournament each of the last three seasons, but have not made it past the Round of 32 since their Final Four run during the 2018-19 season.
Auburn Basketball 2024-25 Stats
Similar to Alabama, Auburn ranks among the nation’s top scoring teams by sitting No. 9 nationally at an average of 84.8 points a game, while also allowing 67.7 to opponents. Elsewhere, the Tigers lead all of college basketball at an average of 6.8 blocks per game as a team, as well as the nation’s No. 23 team with a combined 48.6 FG%.
Auburn Basketball 2024-25 Players to Know
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Johni Broome, Forward/Center – Senior
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Chad Baker-Mazara, Guard/Forward – Senior
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Chaney Johnson, Forward – Senior
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Tahaad Pettiford, Guard – Freshman
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Miles Kelly, Guard – Senior
In conclusion, Auburn has a total of six players averaging in double figures so far this season headlined by senior forward Johni Broome, who is averaging a double-double at 18.1 PPG and 10.7 RPG. Elsewhere, almost all of the Tigers’ prominent contributors are seniors, aside from the freshman duo of Tahaad Pettiford and Jakhi Howard, the former of which is averaging 11.5 PPG on 40.3% shooting from three.
This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama vs. Auburn: Basketball roster, team preview for Tigers
