Bruce Pearl previews new-look Auburn offense entering 2023-24 season

Auburn had plenty of struggles last season, especially on the offensive end. From a pure scoring view, Bruce Pearl saw his team average 72.8 points per game. While it was sixth in the SEC, the Tigers ranked outside the top 150 throughout the country.

Have no fear though, as Pearl says changes are on the way. The plan is to spread the floor out more, opting to run five out compared to the head coach’s traditional four out. Better shooters are expected to be on the Auburn roster this season, giving more guys more shot opportunities.

“We’ll be better offensively this year,” Pearl said. “We’ll shoot it better this year. I think we got some guys that know how to play. I’m making a few offensive adjustments in my system. We’re going to try a little more five out. We’ve always been four out and spread. We’re going to do a little more five out. I think our personnel is suited to it, our shooting is suited to it.”

Denver Jones was brought in through the NCAA transfer portal via FIU, being a career 35.9% shooter from behind the arc. Tre Donaldson returns and should have a bigger role after making 40% of his 32 three-point attempts last season, while KD Johnson is a well-known player on the Plains.

Even with freshman guard Aden Holloway joining the mix, Pearl sees a veteran team in front of him. The process of gelling will take some time but a lot is going Auburn’s way according to Pearl.

“It’s a work in progress,” Pearl said. “I like my roster, I like my depth, and I like the work ethic on this team. But it will definitely be a work in progress. It’s an older team.”

As for where Pearl believes this leaves them compared to SEC opponents, he sees them around the second level at the moment. Maybe similar to where Auburn was this time last season, floating just below teams who consider themselves contenders to win the regular season title.

Does not matter to Pearl. He’s happy with how things are playing out at Neville Arena.

“This team will be picked sixth or seventh in the SEC,” Pearl said. “You’ll have Kentucky and Tennessee. Arkansas and Alabama and Texas A&M. Those five will all be picked ahead of us. I understand. The talent of their rosters, the depth on their rosters. I think we will then be in that next group. I think Florida can be up there with us… I like the position we’re in.”