Bruce Pearl: Zep Jasper could ‘potentially play’ on Saturday

Zep Jasper is close to returning.

The Auburn basketball team is close to getting back a key member of the team. During his media session on Thursday, Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl provided an update on guard Zep Jasper.

Pearl mentioned that Zep Jasper could potentially play on Saturday when Auburn hosts Texas A&M. He would have a chance to return to a light practice on Thursday, 48 hours ahead of the SEC matchup.

This season Jasper has averaged five points per game with 1.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on 23.1 minutes. He has missed the last two games, in both, they struggled against unranked opponents. While Jasper doesn’t pour in the points, he does so much more for this team.

Zep Jasper’s per 40-minute numbers:

  • 8.7 points
  • 2.2 rebounds
  • 4.2 assists
  • 1.2 steals

The impact of Jasper doesn’t show up on the stat sheet. Against the Razorbacks the team had just eight assists, five steals, and surrendered 19 turnovers that allowed Arkansas to secure the upset win. In the close game against the Georgia Bulldogs, the team turned it over 14 times.

In Jasper’s last game on the court for Bruce Pearl, the team registered 12 assists, seven steals, and just eight turnovers against Alabama in the 100-81 victory.

The sooner he returns to the floor, the better for Auburn.