Auburn’s roster is one of the most talented the Tigers have ever had.
CBS Sports released their annual ranking of the best 101 players in college basketball and freshman forward Jabari Smith (No. 44), sophomore center Walker Kessler (No. 65) and junior guard Allen Flanigan (No. 86) made the list.
Smith, the highest-rated recruit in program history, continues to earn recognition ahead of the season, he was named to both the media and coaches preseason All-SEC second team. He was the only freshman on either list.
Kessler, another former five-star recruit, transferred from North Carolina in the offseason and was one of the top transfers in the country. The 7-foot-1 center had a limited role last season but showed his potential at the end of the season.
Flanigan took a massive step forward as a sophomore, starting all 27 games and emerging as an offensive threat as well as a defensive stopper. He averaged 14.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.
The coaches named him to their preseason All-SEC first team, but he will not be available December as he recovers from surgery on his Achilles.
Kentucky led all SEC schools with four players named to the list, while Auburn and Alabama tied for second with three each.