What Jay Bilas Says…
Auburn lost to Texas A&M in the SEC tournament quarterfinals, and no team has won a national championship losing in the quarterfinals since Villanova in 1985. That is a long time ago, but it’s not unprecedented. Auburn plays incredibly hard and can really defend. But the Tigers are a puzzle on the offensive end. Auburn can make shots, but does not consistently shoot well.
Auburn has really good guards, especially Wendell Green Jr., but they have not been consistent on offense. Auburn shoots only 32% from deep, including 30% from deep in SEC play, ranking in the bottom third of Division I. So, inconsistent offense is the bad news, but the good news is really good. There is not a team out there that Auburn cannot beat.
With two forces of nature in Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler, Auburn can absolutely cover up the rim on defense. Kessler is the best defender in the country, blocks shots with his right and mostly his left hand, and Smith blocks what Kessler doesn’t get to. Smith is a superior talent who is a beautiful jump-shooter who can isolate and shoot over anyone, hitting over 44% from deep. Auburn can get to New Orleans, but can get clipped in the Sweet 16, too.
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