It has been quite the turnaround from last season for the Auburn Tigers. Under the guidance of head coach Bruce Pearl, the team went from 13-14 overall and 7-11 in SEC play to one of the top teams in the country.
This year Auburn is looked at as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament with a record of 24-3 and 12-2 in SEC action. The additions of Jabari Smith in recruiting as well as transfers Walker Kessler, KD Johnson, Zep Jasper, and Wendell Green Jr have allowed the turnaround to happen at a faster rate.
Pearl is getting a lot of recognition for his efforts. Viewed as the man to beat for the SEC Coach of the Year award, he is also in contention for national coach of the year honors. The Naismith Trophy recently released their watchlist of 15 coaches in college basketball.
Pearl won the SEC honors twice during his tenure at Tennessee and was also named Sporting News coach of the year. He has yet to get the distinction of being awarded the Naismith Trophy. This could be the year.
The candidate list for the NaismiethTrophy watch list.