Tag: auburn transfer portal

Auburn guard Tre Donaldson enters transfer portal

Donaldson leaves the Plains after an impressive sophomore season in which he averaged 6.7 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game.

A week after senior guard [autotag]K.D Johnson[/autotag] decided to leave Auburn and enter the transfer portal, backcourt mate [autotag]Tre Donaldson[/autotag] has joined him. The sophomore guard announced the move on his Instagram early Wednesday morning.

Donaldson leaves the Plains after an impressive sophomore season in which he averaged 6.7 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game. While he played well throughout the season, Donaldson was stuck in a timeshare for minutes at the point guard position alongside 5-star freshman Aden Holloway.

With Holloway yet to decide on whether he will come back to Auburn and 2024 5-star point guard Tahaad Pettiford waiting in the wings, Donaldson may have been locked in the same type of limited minutes per game in his junior season.

Donaldson’s loss could force [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] to the transfer portal himself in hopes of finding a way to replace the assist production his sophomore guard offered. With the Tigers’ guard room depleting, Pearl has a tall task ahead of him in order to get his squad ready for next season.

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Tigers extend offer to FCS All-American linebacker

Auburn extended an offer to James Madison linebacker and All-American Diamonté Tucker-Dorsey.

On Wednesday, the Auburn coaching staff extended an offer to FCS All-American linebacker Diamonté Tucker-Dorsey. He entered the transfer portal just a day prior to the Tigers offering him.

Other schools that have offered Tucker-Dorsey are Texas, Ole Miss, Florida State, and UCF. It is too early to gauge what program would be the frontrunner at this time. There will likely be more programs from across the country that come into the fold. The native of Norfolk, Virginia could be an instant impact player for whatever school he chooses in the near future. He will have one year of eligibility remaining, meaning that he is a graduate transfer.

In five seasons with the Dukes, he recorded 204 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks. The majority of those stats came this past season as he started in 14 games for the program. In 2021, he tallied 116 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and nine tackles for loss. Head coach Curt Cignetti used the defensive prowess of Tucker-Dorsey along with the rest of the team to go 12-2. The Dukes fell just short by a score of 20-14 in the FCS semifinals against the well-known North Dakota State Bison.

As far as the Tigers are concerned, they could certainly use a talent like Tucker-Dorsey on their defense. Defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding is in his first season as being the play-caller for the defense. He would love to add an All-CAA linebacker. The Tigers have already landed four transfers on the defensive side of the ball — Jayson Jones, DJ James, Craig McDonald, and Eugene Asante. They don’t appear to be finished either as they have shown interest in several transfers. Some transfers to keep an eye on are Morris Joseph (Memphis), Taylor Lewis (College of the Canyons), and Tucker-Dorsey of course.

The Auburn faithful as well as the coaching staff would love to add a veteran linebacker of his caliber. He is well-equipped and could make an immediate contribution to the team. The linebacker room currently consists of Cam Riley, Owen Pappoe, Eugene Asante, and Wesley Steiner. Although it may seem far-fetched for Tucker-Dorsey to have an immediate impact, he wouldn’t be recruited if the coaching staff didn’t think that he could make an immediate contribution to the team. We will have to wait and see what he decides to do, but Auburn fans are hoping that he heads to the Plains for his final year of eligibility.

Auburn listed as program showing interest in NC State transfer

Auburn has reached out to a talented North Carolina State transfer.

On Monday, Jon Rothstein of CollegeHoopsToday reported that several schools had reached out to NC State transfer Manny Bates. One of the programs listed were the Auburn Tigers, and several others interested are Ohio State, Illinois, Georgetown, Houston, and Iowa State.

The North Carolina native spent three seasons in Raleigh. In first two seasons, he averaged 7.5 points per game and 5.0 rebounds per game. Perhaps the most intriguing statistic was his blocks per game (2.8). In 2021, his season ended before it virtually ever started when he dislocated his right shoulder in his first game, causing him to miss the rest of the season. It is worth noting that Bates did start 50 games in his first two seasons. He also blocked 147 shots, which ranks as the fourth most in North Carolina State history. The season was set to be promising for the Wolfpack prior to Bates getting injured. They would finish the season with an 11-21 record.

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Tigers coaching staff has put an emphasis on big men in the portal. Louisiana Tech transfer Kenneth Lofton Jr. and Morehead State transfer Johni Broome have both been in touch with [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] and his staff. With Bates coming into the fold, the likelihood increases that Auburn will land a big man via the transfer portal. Standing at 6’11, Bates would certainly be a big presence down low. His ability to block shots is impressive and something the Tigers would love to have in 2022.

Auburn is bringing in three players in its’ 2022 class. [autotag]Tre Donaldson[/autotag], [autotag]Yohan Traore[/autotag], and [autotag]Chance Westry[/autotag] are all set to join the program for next season. Traore is interesting because he is a 6’10 big man from Arizona — adding Bates would likely create competition. One of the two could also move to the four spot, as Auburn is also bringing back center [autotag]Dylan Cardwell[/autotag].

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Auburn expressing early interest in star from Conference USA

The Tigers are showing interest in big man from Conference USA.

On Sunday, Jon Rothstein of CollegeHoopsToday reported several schools that have shown interest in Louisiana Tech transfer Kenneth Lofton Jr. while he is training for the 2022 NBA Draft. One of the schools listed was Auburn and several other programs included were Houston, LSU, Texas A&M, USC, Gonzaga, and Kentucky.

The Texas native spent two seasons with the Bulldogs. Over the course of those two seasons, he averaged 14.3 points per game and 9 rebounds per game. He played a little bit of both the four and the five spot at Louisiana Tech. However, he would likely stick to the four spot if he chose the Tigers. At 6’7, the Tigers’ coaching staff would probably implement him into the lineup in different ways. Last season, Lofton Jr. was named to the First-Team All-Conference USA team. He was also listed on the Karl Malone Award Watch List.

With Auburn losing Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler, his presence would certainly loom large if he elected to transfer to Auburn. The Tigers will return forward Jaylin Williams and center Dylan Cardwell, and as of now, forward Chris Moore and Babatunde Akingbola will return as well. 2023 five-star Yohan Traore also recently committed to Auburn. Lofton Jr. is one of the more interesting players in the transfer portal. He is a big specimen at 6’7, 275 pounds. [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] and his coaching staff could certainly use him in their lineup next season.

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Along with Lofton Jr., the Tigers have shown early interest in other forwards Johni Broome and Manny Bates. It is possible that Pearl believes he needs one or two more big men if they want to be elite next season, and Lofton Jr. certainly fits the profile. With other high-profile schools in the mix, it is key that Auburn stays in contact regularly. He can impact the game on both ends of the floor and can change the outcome of any game. It would be nice to add Lofton Jr. to a squad that is anticipated to be ranked in the top 25 for the 2022 season.

OVC Defensive Player of the Year visiting Auburn this weekend

The Tigers are set to host a prolific defensive player from OVC Conference this weekend.

On Monday, Jake Weingarten of Stockrisers.com reported that Morehead State transfer Johni Broome would be visiting Auburn this weekend. The Florida native has become one of the biggest names in the entire transfer portal in recent days. He has received interest from other schools like Alabama, Gonzaga, Kentucky, Texas Tech, LSU and Houston.

Broome is a presence on both ends of the floor. In two seasons with the Eagles, he averaged 15.4 points per game and grabbed 9.8 rebounds per game. The Tigers could certainly use an efficient scorer and glass-cleaner like Broome. Not to mention, he also averaged 2.9 blocks per game. That led him to being ranked third for blocks per game in the entire country. He blocked. 131 shots last year, good for the school’s record for most blocks in a season.

With a guy like [autotag]Walker Kessler[/autotag] entering the NBA Draft, the Auburn faithful would certainly love to have a player of Broome’s caliber. [autotag]Jaylin Williams[/autotag] is expected back, however. With Williams at the four and Broome at the five or Broome at the four and Traore at the five, head coach [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] could get some flexibility and much-needed depth. The All-American would definitely add to the Tigers’ chances of getting back to the NCAA Tournament.

As for other targets that Auburn is keeping in contact with, players like Brandon Murray, Jarod Lucas, and Kenneth Lofton Jr. have been targeted by the Tigers. Broome’s visit this weekend will be the first official visit that he has taken to any school since he announced that he was transferring. Hopefully, it gives Auburn an advantage early on in his recruitment.

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Players that Auburn should target in the transfer portal

Taking a look at some of the players in the transfer portal that the Tigers should target.

The Auburn coaching staff has certainly seen success through the transfer portal. Last season, Auburn landed four transfers. College of Charleston transfer [autotag]Zep Jasper[/autotag], Georgia transfer [autotag]K.D. Johnson[/autotag], Eastern Kentucky transfer [autotag]Wendell Green Jr.[/autotag], and North Carolina transfer [autotag]Walker Kessler[/autotag] all joined the Tigers program last offseason. Each of them played large roles in the Tigers’ success this past season.

Three of the four will likely be back next season as well. Head coach Bruce Pearl has proven that he can send players to the league. Over the years, players like Isaac Okoro, Sharife Cooper, and Chuma Okeke have all seen their own share of success in the NBA up to this point. Two players that are suited to join them after the upcoming NBA draft are Walker Kessler and [autotag]Jabari Smith[/autotag]. It just goes to show that Pearl has accomplished a lot since he joined Auburn.

The coaching staff has shown early interest in several elite players in the transfer portal. Today, we will take a look at some of the players that they should target that are still available in the portal.

Auburn staff in hot pursuit of talented MAC transfer

Auburn is showing interest in talented MAC transfer from the state of Alabama.

Auburn has reached to Ohio transfer Mark Sears, According to 247Sports’ Travis Branham.  Along with Auburn, other schools like Alabama, Notre Dame, Texas, LSU, Florida, Gonzaga, and USC have also reached out.

The native of Muscle Shoals was ranked as a three-star prospect out of high school. Neither Alabama nor Auburn extended an offer to Sears coming out of high school, but in-state programs UAB and South Alabama did. Now,  Auburn and Alabama are seemingly interested in Ohio’s scoring leader from this past season. He averaged 19.6 points per game, 6.0 rebounds per game, and 4.1 assists per game. He ranked 28th in the entire country in scoring. That is a very effective number for one of the more premier talents available in the transfer portal.

This past season, Sears started all 35 games that the Bobcats played. The First Team All-MAC player shot an astounding 40.8 percent from the three-point line. From the floor, he shot 44.4. percent. In 18 of the 35 games that Sears played in, he scored 20 or more points. Statistically, that puts him at a 51.4 percent to score 20 or more in each contest.

Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Tigers are also showing interest in transfers Erik Stevenson, Brandon Murray, and Jarod Lucas. However, Sears will likely be a larger target for the Auburn coaching staff. His ability to knock down threes and put the ball in the basket will likely separate him from the others that [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] and his coaching staff are interested in.

Devan Cambridge reveals his transfer destination

Former Auburn basketball player and his brother announce transfer destination in ‘package deal’

On Thursday, former Auburn wing Devan Cambridge announced that he was transferring to Arizona State. Another thing to note is that his brother Desmond will also be transferring to Arizona State as well. It will be the first time that the two will pair up together since AAU ball, according to Desmond Cambridge.

In his time at Auburn, Cambridge averaged 6.0 points per game and shot 39.6% from the floor. His brother Desmond spent two seasons at Brown and two seasons at Nevada. Throughout his entire career, he has averaged 16.4 points per game and shot 40.4% from the floor.

When Devan was asked why he chose the Sun Devils, he answered by saying, “He knows how to develop his players personally and from what I’ve seen, he’s a great person.” Last season, Hurley’s squad went 14-17 but played well towards the end of the season. They certainly hope that the Cambridge’s can have a large impact for them next season.

Something interesting to add is the fact that Devan actually prepped at Hillcrest Prep in Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix is located just 17 minutes from Tempe, where the Sun Devils play.

It will certainly impact the Tigers’ bench depth. However, it doesn’t sting as much with five-star big man Yohan Traore committing to Auburn on Thursday evening. Cambridge was definitely a tenacious player on the Plains. His ability to make insane dunks will be missed by the Auburn faithful. He is now in a role at a new program. I certainly look forward to seeing how Devan and his brother perform in the PAC-12.

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Tigers defensive back Eric Reed Jr enters transfer portal for a second time

Auburn defensive back Eric Reed Jr has entered the transfer portal for a second time.

On Monday afternoon, Auburn defensive back [autotag]Eric Reed Jr[/autotag] announced that he was entering the transfer portal. The Louisiana native has appeared in just two games for the Tigers. Now, he will be looking to play elsewhere.

In January, Reed Jr. decided to enter the transfer portal. However, a few days later he decided to withdraw his name from the portal and stay at Auburn. The move isn’t that surprising considering that Auburn has a variety of different options on the back end. Players like [autotag]Donovan Kaufman[/autotag], [autotag]Marquise Gilbert[/autotag], [autotag]Nehemiah Pritchett[/autotag], and [autotag]D.J. James[/autotag] are just several of the corners that will have large roles on the Tigers’ defense this season.

In 2020, Reed Jr. played in just one game. In 2021, he played in just one game as well. I think it is safe to say that Reed Jr. saw the writing on the wall, so to speak. As a high school recruit, he was regarded as the No. 191 overall player and the No. 8 player in the state of Louisiana. After receiving over 10 offers, he decided to join the Tigers’ 2020 recruiting class.

Although he withdrew his name from the portal once, it is not likely that it happens again a second time. Like Reed Jr., many players at other schools wait until the spring to determine whether they will transfer or not. It allows them to see where the coaching staff has them as far as position and spot on the depth chart. It will certainly be interesting to see where the former four-star lands.

Auburn basketball loses one member as Devan Cambridge enter the transfer portal

Devan Cambridge joins his brother in the transfer portal.

On Thursday, Auburn wing Devan Cambridge announced that he was entering the transfer portal. Interestingly enough, Devan’s brother, Desmond Cambridge also entered the portal on Wednesday. Desmond spent two seasons at Brown and two seasons at Nevada. It is likely that the two will eye playing together one last season.

On the other hand, Devan spent three seasons with the Tigers. His role for Auburn predominantly resulted in him coming off the bench. However, he does have some starting experience. In 2020, Cambridge was a starter on the Plains. He averaged 8.9 points per game while shooting 37.6% from the floor. This past season head coach Bruce Pearl brought the Nashville native off the bench. He would average 4.2 points per game and shot 42.6% from the floor. Although he only averaged a total of 6.0 points per game over his three seasons, he should be a hot commodity in the portal.

His athleticism and ability to make some miraculous dunks should give him the opportunity to earn a starting role elsewhere. The presence that Cambridge brought off the bench was more important than some Tigers fans would think. Standing at 6’5, his length and versatility will be missed. It is also worth noting that Allen Flanigan, Jabari Smith, and Walker Kessler will all likely at least enter their name into the NBA Draft. Considering the possibility that all four will be leaving, the Tigers would be left with 9 scholarship players. The threshold is 13 for Division 1 college basketball programs.

Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The two brothers will likely pair up elsewhere. Per 247Sports reporter Travis Branham, Cambridge plans on teaming up with his brother at a new school. At this time, there has been no speculation as to where the two may land. However, I would be surprised if the two aren’t playing in the same jersey by the start of the ’22-’23 season. Auburn will likely look to replace Cambridge through the portal. If not, they may look for Flanigan to return. We will have to wait and see.