Tag: auburn basketball

Anfernee McLemore discusses recruitment, Final Four, post-basketball career, and more

The former Auburn forward discusses his recruiting and playing in the Final Four.

Former Auburn basketball standout Anfernee McLemore appeared Monday on The JBoy Show to discuss everything from his recruitment to his professional career. Here’s what the former Auburn forward had to say:

On academics:

If you saw broadcasters’ conversations come to a lull during basketball season then you probably heard that McLemore was accepted to MIT. Academics were extremely important to McLemore who grew up in a military family. He credits his mother for instilling that academic background in him at an early age.

What brought him to Auburn:

After visiting multiple schools in the northern U.S. and even Mississippi State none offered the welcoming environment that McLemore yearned for.  He said, “what every recruit looks for as far as what college they want to go to is a place that feels like home.” No other coach made their school feel more at home than Bruce Pearl he added.

On being a part of the Final Four: 

“I like to say I was in the right place at the right time.”

No team in college basketball had bigger chips on their shoulders than the 2018-2019 Auburn basketball team. Prolific point guards Bryce Brown and Jared Harper were drastically overlooked. McLemore cites that coming from a smaller high school created the chip on his shoulder. That Final Four team was the embodiment of grit and determination.

His favorite Final Four run memory?

McLemore’s favorite memory on the Final Four run came from the New Mexico State game. Yeah, that same game where Auburn won by one point after a missed three-point attempt. The entire team was so disappointed in the locker room and they conveyed to each other that they would have to put their skills into overdrive to compete against Kansas in the next game. “You could hear a pin drop,” was his description of that locker room, a stark difference from the post game celebrations we saw in the Tigers’ next three victories.

On his three-point shooting:

McLemore was recruited as a 6’7 center. When he was a freshman he was told that he would need to improve his outside shooting to be a more effective player. Pearl’s confidence and expectation of him is what he says was the key to his improvement during his playing career.

Future plans:

Today McLemore is a wealth manager at Regions Bank in Birmingham and he’s very excited about the future of his professional career. He also encourages fans to check out his YouTube channel if you want to hear stories from the man himself.

Which player on the roster we should buy stock in?

According to McLemore we need to buy stock in Jaylin Williams NOW. McLemore describes Williams as, “one of the most talented freshmen I’ve seen in my life.” Wow, and with a year of experience the sky is the limit for the upcoming sophomore.

Find the full interview here.

Andy Burcham talks Bruce Pearl, remembers Rod Bramblett in interview

The Voice of the Auburn Tigers talks about basketball’s rise under Bruce Pearl and his late radio partner Rod Bramblett.

Andy Burcham sat down with Jason Caldwell of Inside the Auburn Tigers for a six-part interview. The two discuss Bruce Pearl’s success and remember the late Rod Bramblett.

What “it” factor does Burcham see in Pearl?

Burcham says,

“For one thing it’s authentic. His enthusiasm, his love for his players, his love for Tennessee when he was there, southern Indiana you know when he won a national championship there, and his love for Auburn is unique and authentic”

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Burcham also describes Pearl as being a tough coach who gains the respect of his players. Coach Pearl has made his mission statement at Auburn known and his players understand the biggest goal is to get better.

“His love for them is not just as basketball players at Auburn.”

Burcham uses Anfernee McLemore as an example. McLemore’s fiancee gave birth to his son right after the South Alabama game. Pearl helped arrange for McLemore to fly back to Auburn with AD Allen Greene so that he could get back quicker.

In the last three years, Pearl has taken Auburn basketball to three consecutive 25-win seasons, a regular season SEC championship, an SEC Tournament championship and a Final Four appearance. Auburn basketball was a complete mess when Bruce Pearl arrived. Burcham describes the transformation as “one of the more remarkable stories in Auburn athletic history.”

Remembering Rod Bramblett:

Bramblett passed away right before Auburn baseball played Georgia Tech in the NCAA Regionals. Burcham was not in the broadcast booth. When the Tigers punched their ticket to their first Super Regional since 1999, Burcham knew he had to go. This was history.

They would face off against North Carolina, a team who had never lost in a Super Regional.

The Tigers forced the Tar Heels to a three game series. In the final game Auburn scored 13 runs in the first inning. Burcham remembers thinking, “don’t let this team be the team that blows a 13 run lead.”

Auburn held on and advanced to the College World Series for the first time since 1997. As the last pitch was thrown Burcham remained seated in the broadcast booth. Usually at this moment he’d be down on the field for post game coverage while Rod stayed in the booth to begin the post game show.

Baseball was what bonded the two together. Rod was all he could think about in that moment. In the two minutes between the last pitch and the post game show Burcham recalls, “I got really emotional. I had time to get emotional and gather my senses and then send it down to Paul.”

And when the Tigers finally made it to Omaha Burcham recalls telling Kirk Sampson, “Rod would love this.”

He sure would have.

Toomer’s Drugs reinvents lemonade with a summertime twist

This will help fans chill down on hot college football Saturdays.

Picture this: it’s a mid-afternoon, summertime game day in Auburn. You have people to see and tailgates to attend, but with a heat index near triple digits you’re in survival mode until game time.

Gentlemen, the ice in your cooler is melting and your shirt isn’t as crisp as it was an hour ago. Ladies, there isn’t enough setting spray in the world to keep your makeup on, but your hair looks great in that ponytail!

I’m speaking from personal experience here. I was at Jordan Hare in 2014 when Auburn played against Arkansas. That same week the university posted heat safety precautions for fans to follow. By the third quarter the stadium had run out of bottled water. Don’t even get me started on LSU 2018.

What if I told you that Toomer’s Drugs has concocted a refreshing remedy?

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On Monday morning, Toomer’s Drugs took to Instagram to announce an exciting new twist on a timeless classic. It’s Toomer’s lemonade, but frozen! Yep, fans can now get frozen lemonade with or without added flavors. It may not be a pill that makes you stop sweating, but it sure is a delicious treat to help cool you down.

I don’t know about y’all, but a 200-mile road trip for slushies looks pretty fun right about now.

Auburn fans recall their favorite concerts held at Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum

Beard-Eaves has seen some major acts come through over the years.

Beard Eaves Memorial Coliseum opened up on January 11, 1969 with a historic win over an LSU team led by Pistol Pete Maravich.

It also survived 45 years of concerts, many of them turning into cherished memories for Auburn fans everywhere. In its early days the Coliseum saw acts like Elvis Presley and The Rolling Stones. The Coliseum went out rocking with Dierks Bentley and Rascall Flatts back in 2014.

Before we begin reminiscing its important to note that I was not able to obtain the dates for each of these artists. If your favorite artist is mentioned without a year please feel free to give us a shout-out!

Concert years verified by setlist.fm

1960s:

1969: The Rolling Stones and Chuck Berry (not a bad way to “start it up” sorry I just had to get that one pun in)

Side story: My dad said that The Rolling Stones shouldn’t even be in contention for one of his favorite concerts. They were nearly 3 hours late much to the dismay of everyone in attendance BUT when they showed up they brought the house down.

1970s:

1970: Neil Diamond

1971: Chicago

1971: The Carpenters

1971: Ike and Tina Turner

1972: The Allman Brothers Band

1972: Isaac Hayes

1972: Rod Stewart

1973: George Carlin

1973: Elton John

1974: Elvis Presley

1975: Chicago

1976: James Taylor

1976: Andre Crouch

1976: Bruce Springsteen

1976: The Commodores

1977: Neil Diamond

1980s: 

1980: The Eagles

1980: Charlie Daniels

1981: Hall and Oates

1982: James Taylor

1983: Joan Jett

1984: Stray Cats

1985: Whitney Houston

1985: Tina Turner

1986: Jimmy Buffett

1987: REM

1987: Indigo Girls

1987: Huey Lewis and the News

1987: Whitney Houston

*sometime in the 80s but we can’t quite place them: 

Dan Fogelberg

Pat Benatar

Lewis Grizzard

1990s:

1990: Jimmy Buffett

1992: Lenny Kravitz

1992: The Cult

1993: Winona Judd

1993: Clint Black

1994: Widespread Panic

1994: Dave Matthews Band

1994: Alan Jackson

1995: The Allman Brothers Band

1995: Widespread Panic

1995: Blues Traveler

1996: Widespread Panic

1996 or 1997: Willie Nelson

1997: Indigo Girls

1998: Third Eye Blind

1998: Eve 6

*definitely early 90s but we can’t quite place these guys either:

Edwin McCain

Hootie and the Blowfish

2000s:

2000: Live

2000: 311

2000: Sister Hazel

2008: O.A.R.

2008: Akon

2010: Skillet

2010: The Rocket Summer

2010: Goo Goo Dolls

*If you saw any of these acts and can give us a year please do so, the undated concerts:

Stan and Eddie

Phish

Drivin N Cryin

Brooks and Dunn

Jeff Foxworthy

Garth Brooks

Alabama

I was never able to attend a concert at the Coliseum, but all of this reminiscing makes me wish I could have. Oh to be a fly on the wall for some of these concerts.

Is your favorite concert missing? Feel free to reach out to us on Facebook on Twitter!

Charles Barkley makes bold guarantee about his golf game

The Auburn legend will take part in the American Century Championship this weekend.

We’ve all seen Charles Barkley golf and … well, he’s not exactly someone you would consider a good golfer.

Yet his confidence never waivers no matter if he’s talking about his golf game or throwing out opinions on the state of the NBA, so it’s not surprising when he makes extremely bold predictions concerning his upcoming participation in the American Century Championship, a tournament he has participated in 24 times before.

Just watch and listen to the man.

This is going to make for must-viewing this weekend.

Wes Flanigan on Auburn’s recruiting: ‘We keep the families close’

Auburn assistant coach Wes Flanigan talks recruiting, winning and coaching his son.

Auburn assistant coach Wes Flanigan recently caught up with Jake Crain of The Jboy Show. The two talk about everything from recruiting to the future stars of Auburn hoops.

Recruiting:

Recruiting has skyrocketed after Auburn’s historic run to the Final Four in 2019. Auburn’s 2020 class is currently ranked ninth nationally on 247Sports. They bring in 5-star PG Sharife Cooper, 4-star PF JT Thor, 3-star PF Chris Moore, 3-star SG Justin Powell, and 3-star C Dylan Cardwell.

What’s Auburn’s biggest secret to success? According to Coach Flanigan:

“A lot of it is based on winning. When you start winning you create this fanbase, and our fanbase is unbelievable. I feel like we’ve got the best home court advantage in the SEC and one of the best in the country.”

Family is also important when it comes to Auburn’s style of recruiting. “We keep the families close. Our families are a part of our team, we don’t push those families back we urge them to continue to support their kids.” Flanigan continues to describe how Coach Pearl built Auburn basketball on the foundation of family. Bruce Pearl’s son Steven has coached alongside his father for six years now and was promoted to assistant coach in 2017. Flanigan’s son Allen had a successful freshman season appearing in all 31 games and finished as the Tigers’ third-best rebounding guard.

On coaching his son:

Flanigan never imagined that he and his son would be at Auburn at the same time, but it feels like a dream come true for the assistant coach.

Coaching your son’s basketball team isn’t always easy. Flanigan describes the experience to be, “like a roller coaster,” citing the he and his son’s different emotions as well as the ups and downs that come with coaching. Now that he coaches his son he feels an additional level of anxiety that didn’t exist before. “I want him to do so well a lot of times so that adds a little anxiety and pressure to me.”

On the 2018-2019 season:

Against Georgia: Flanigan realized a major turning point in the season as Auburn faced Georgia on the road after a brutal loss to Ole Miss. Georgia didn’t have a great RPI and the Tigers knew that another humiliating loss would damage their tournament hopes. The game came down to a three from Chuma Okeke. Flanigan said that was Chuma’s, “I’m ready, now I’ve arrived” moment.

Skip to 2:30 for that Okeke three:

Against Kansas: “When I watched us play the way we played against Kansas, that was the first time I felt really, really good about us getting to the Final Four.”

Against North Carolina: “When we played North Carolina I felt like there was no way we was losing to them.”

Which Auburn players we should start buying stock in:

“As a dad, Allen Flanigan,” Wes laughs. (he’s not joking, buy stock now).

Tyrell Jones, Babatunde (Flanigan cites his impressive work ethic), Jaylin Williams-all highly recruited (buy stock now).

“The thing we’ll miss that we’ve had the last few years is the level of experience, but the talent is there.” Flanigan says there are a lot of (Auburn basketball 2020-2021, these boys are going to be fun to watch just buy stock now).

The entire interview is great, listen here.

WATCH: Jared Harper pours in buckets while working out for Knicks

The former Auburn star could become a key player for the New York Knicks.

Maybe, just maybe, the New York Knicks know what they got when signing Jared Harper to a two-way deal.

The former Auburn star was seen working out on Saturday and, as always, was raining three-pointers from deep.

I’m looking forward to seeing Harper in a Knicks uniform as soon as possible.

2020 NCAA Tournament Sim: East Region, Sweet Sixteen

2020 NCAA Tournament Sim: East Region, Sweet Sixteen There is plenty on the line for the remaining for four teams in the East Region, mostly an Elite Eight appearance. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire The Elite Eight waits for two teams as …

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2020 NCAA Tournament Sim: East Region, Sweet Sixteen

There is plenty on the line for the remaining for four teams in the East Region, mostly an Elite Eight appearance. 

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

The Elite Eight waits for two teams as four battle it out in New York City.

The second round is in the books of our NCAA Tournament simulation and in the East Region, we have our four teams playing in New York City in the Sweet Sixteen.

As a reminder, we are simulating these games over at What If Sports and are doing just like the NCAA Tournament, one loss and you’re out.

East Region 

Final Score: No. 1 Dayton 102, No. 5 Auburn 77 

New York, NY–Obi Toppin was named an AP first team All-American this past week, and rightfully so. The high flying sophomore has helped lead the Dayton Flyers to one of their greatest seasons in program history, but he’s not alone. And as most would tell you, success in the big dance doesn’t come from just one guy scoring the basketball.

Toppin had an amazing performance last round against Colorado as he finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds. But that has been his only standout game as the Flyers took on the Auburn Tigers, it was the team’s second leading scorer guard Jalen Crutcher who sent Bruce Pearl and company home early with 32 points on 11-16 shooting from the field.

The Tigers looked to double-team the sophomore sensation all night and though a fifteen-point performance is nothing to ignore, it was an effective strategy. The one thing Auburn forgot was that basketball is a team sport and you don’t receive a No. 1 seed or top-five ranking nationally for having just one good player.

Big performances for Crutcher and fellow junior guard and former Michigan Wolverine Ibi Watson (18 points and 5 rebounds) was the dagger in Auburn’s tournament run. And as the Flyers advance to the Elite Eight for the first time since the 2013-2014 season where they fell 52-62 to the Florida Gators who went all the way to the Final Four that year. It will truly take a team effort to get past a hot handed Duke Blue Devil’s team who looks as in sync as they have all season. It shouldn’t be too tough if they can knock down fifteen three pointers again and shoot 61% from the field, just saying.

Final Score: No. 3 Duke 99, No. 10 Arizona State 89

New York, NY–If there is one lesson teams have learned on a consistent basis playing basketball in March, it is that everything comes to an end. It’s a little tougher when you gain some momentum and knock off two teams in less than five days. It’s apart of March Madness and though the Sun Devil’s looked like this region’s Cinderella the Blue Devil’s (no relation) come out on top in this one with a ten-point win and some confidence heading into the Elite Eight.

Duke is playing their best basketball of the season and received double-digit scoring from six different players but were led by a double-double from freshman post Vernon Carey with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Carey dominated on both ends in the paint also chipping in 3 blocks and a steal.

Arizona State once again played through leader Remy Martin who led the way with 23 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. And even though they kept it close with only a two-point deficit going into halftime, their efforts in the second half weren’t enough. As an offensive run to start the second half by the Blue Devils gave them just enough cushion to hold off later Arizona State advances to seal the win.

Duke advances on, and unlike their next opponents the Dayton Flyers this isn’t exactly new to them. It’s not new to Dayton either as they have enjoyed several deep tournament runs in their history, two Elite Eight appearances in the last forty years and even more success prior. But to have come this far as a mid-major team there is still plenty to celebrate, but will the Blue Devil’s let them?

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2020 NCAA Tournament Sim: East Region, Round 2

2020 NCAA Tournament Sim: East Region, Round 2 A trip to the Sweet Sixteen is on the line in the round of 32. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire Four Move On The first round is in the books of our NCAA Tournament simulation and though there …

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2020 NCAA Tournament Sim: East Region, Round 2

A trip to the Sweet Sixteen is on the line in the round of 32.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Four Move On 

The first round is in the books of our NCAA Tournament simulation and though there were a few upsets, the big names are still here and provide an eventful day of games in the round thirty-two for us to enjoy.

As a reminder, we are simulating these games over at What If Sports and are doing just like the NCAA Tournament, one loss and you’re out.

East Region 

Final Score: No.1 Dayton 96, No. 8 Colorado 89

Cleveland, OH–The arena was full in Cleveland on Sunday afternoon as Dayton Flyers fans packed in tight. It took more than regulation in this one for the Flyers to advance on, it also took a double-double from star big man Obi Toppin with 26 points and 12 rounds.

Colorado attempted the upset but might have ultimately been doomed from beyond the arc, finishing just 6-23 on the night from deep. Mckinley Wright IV led his team for the second straight game with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

The No. 1 seed Flyers advance on with a tough test ahead in the Auburn Tigers and maybe one of their bigger obstacles of the season in a team with athleticism and size like nothing you can compare to in the Atlantic-10.

Final Score: No. 5 Auburn 85, No.4 Wisconsin 65

Sacramento, CA–The goal hasn’t changed for the Tigers and unfortunately for the Wisconsin Badgers they were just another roadblock for Auburn en route to the Sweet Sixteen.

Bruce Pearl’s squad looked focused and shut down the Badger’s second-half offensive efforts, outscoring Wisconsin 41-25 after half time. Kobe King was the only Badger to reach double-digit scoring, ending the night with just 13 points.

While the Tigers were led by freshman Isaac Okoro with 19 points, 5 rebounds and clutch performance from the field, going 8-11 on the night. They advance on to face the No. 1 seed in the region in Dayton and have to keep focus to continue on to the Elite Eight and beyond.

Final Score: No. 3 Duke 77, No. 6 Iowa 66

Greensboro, NC–It was a duel effort by Tre Jones and Cassius Stanley who led Duke with 14 points a piece. But they weren’t alone as three other Blue Devil’s finished the night with double-digits in their eleven point win over the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Iowa big man Luka Garza gave it his all as he led the way with 15 points and 13 rebounds. But it wasn’t enough as the Hawkeyes couldn’t hold off a late second half surge by the Blue Devils to seal the win and send Fran McCaffery’s group home early. They continue on to face this corner of the bracket’s Cinderella, a No. 10 seed who might not fit the mold but don’t let them fool you as they already have two upsets in the bag with room for much more.

Final Score: No. 10 Arizona State 88, No. 2 Villanova 86 

Albany, NY–The Sun Devils are on a roll! As they pack their bags and head to New York City with a two-point victory over two-time tournament Champion Villanova and head coach Jay Wright.

Arizona State couldn’t miss as they went a combined 50.8% from the field and ended the night with six different Sun Devil’s in double figures. It was floor general Remy Martin who led the way with 17 points, 8 assists and three steals. Villanova did all they could and were led by Saddiq Bey with 24 points but this is the Sun Devil’s weekend as they aren’t leaving the east coast just yet.

 

Tennessee Vols at #13 Auburn Tigers: Preview, Prediction, TV Channel, Live Stream, How to Watch

Watch Tennessee Vols at #13 Auburn Tigers Live Online.

Tennessee will travel to Auburn Saturday afternoon to take on No. 13 Auburn. The Vols are looking for a win against former head coach Bruce Pearl, which would be a feather in their cap.

NCAA Basketball: Tennessee Vols at #13 Auburn Tigers

  • Date: Saturday, February 22nd
  • Tee off: 12:00 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: CBS
  • Live Stream: CBS All Access (Try it FREE now)

This is a must-win game for Tennessee to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive but they have struggled as of late going 3-3 even with some impressive wins against Alabama and Arkansas. They will look to Senior guard Jordan Bowden, who leads the Vols in scoring with 13.0 points per game to show out today and build that confidence that they would need going into the tourney.

The Vols aren’t the only ones that have struggled their last few games with the Tigers losing consecutive games to Missouri and Georgia, they will need to bounce back to make sure they don’t fall further in the rankings. Auburn will need Samir Doughty to step up today and hit those three-pointers that he’s known for, with 43 on the season.

Prediction: With Tennesee on the bubble of the NCAA Tournament conversation this becomes a must-win scenario for them. I’d take the Vols and the points (+6.5) and expect them to cover in this matchup.

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