Bruce Pearl raves about transfer addition of Denver Jones, Chaney Williams

Once again, Auburn hoops has resorted to the Transfer Portal to reinforce their roster. After nabbing three starters out of it for 2021-22 and then grabbing their most valuable player on the 2022-23 squad, Johni Broome, head coach Bruce Pearl is striking where the iron was hot in the last few summers.

This time around, the Tigers so far have nabbed local Division II import Chaney Johnson and 20-per-game scorer at FIU, Denver Jones, who was just a true sophomore this past season. He, like Johnson, is also an Alabama native — and snagging a pair of underdog local talents was important to Coach Pearl. At least, that’s what he said at his most recent media availability when recapping the progress on next year’s roster.

“Just, you know, they both share something in common. They’re Alabama kids that were both overlooked and both got chips on their shoulders. They’re both hungry, they both dreamed of someday being in a place like Auburn and now it’s reality for them. And I’m just so excited about coaching these guys. They’re gonna be in the gym every night that aren’t just grateful for the scholarship, but for the opportunity.”

Pearl then went on to point out what he likes from each of the transfers’ games.

“I mean, look, Denver’s from the same league as Florida Atlantic and he was the leading scorer in that league. You know, that’s a really good league, Conference USA,” Pearl complimented of the C-USA, then went on to list a slew of teams and coaches in the conference.

“Cheney’s just incredible,” Pearl continued. “He’s out of Thompson High School right there in Alabaster. He’s 6’2 as a (high school) senior, he’s a good basketball player, but UAH gives him a shot at Division II, he grows five inches, all of a sudden he’s 6’7 and now he’s pretty good, really athletic and has always been overlooked. We got a few guys in our roster that’ve been overlooked.”

One reporter asked Bruce Pearl what the plan is for Johnson in the lineup, to which he responded:

“Yeah I think he’ll compete at the three and the four. He’s big enough to be able to play a little bit of an undersized four. He’s got real skills, he’s got real athleticism. Look, he played against us last year when we played them and he played our four man even. And then, I think he’s quick enough and he’s got enough skill that he could play some some on the wing. So he’ll play.”

Lastly, with those two already on board, Pearl was asked if he’s planning on adding any other players to next year’s roster. Of course, he always has his eye open.

“Obviously, still have a few positions, a few scholarships available. You know, we’re probably going to bring at least one, maybe two more. But I would once again be surprised that we utilize all 13 scholarships, wouldn’t just be surprised if at least one of our walk-ons goes on scholarship.”

So, a strong start to this year’s portal recruiting and it definitely doesn’t seem to be over yet.