Auburn basketball is set to have many new faces this upcoming season. One of those new players, SMU transfer forward Ja-Heim Hudson, is already impressing his head coach as summer workouts get underway.
Tigers coach Bruce pearl had high praise for the 6-foot-7, 220 pound forward when speaking to the media this week, saying “[Hudson] brings a level of toughness that I really like”. Pearl also mentioned he liked the incoming seniors “grit”, especially considering he plays in a crowded front court featuring star [autotag]Johni Broome[/autotag], senior [autotag]Dylan Cardwell[/autotag], and second-year Tiger [autotag]Chaney Johnson[/autotag].
While that trio of big men are all but certain to soak up the majority of the minutes up front, Pearl mentioned he wanted to bring Hudson to the Plains to “challenge” his big men and make them better. At least so far it seems like Pearl thinks the transfer is delivering on that idea.
The Hinesville, GA native started just one game for SMU last season, finishing with per game totals of 5.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists. Whether Hudson will play a more vital offensive role on his new team remains to be seen, but the praise from his head coach could lead to a more prominent rotation spot with the Tigers.
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