Auburn Tigers Basketball: 5 Key Players to Watch This Season
As a longtime observer of college basketball with a particular fondness for tracking emerging talent, I’ve always found the start of a new season to be electric. This year, the Auburn Tigers have captured my attention early, and I’m genuinely excited to break down the players I believe will define their campaign. Watching teams and individuals evolve—especially those who bring that raw, infectious energy—is what makes the sport so compelling. I vividly remember watching clips of Patrick Sleat’s debut for Perpetual Help in the NCAA Season 101, where he came out “like a house on fire,” as one report put it. That kind of opening intensity, draining threes, converting and-ones, and setting up teammates to build an early double-digit lead against San Sebastian—it’s exactly the spark I look for in players who can elevate a team. That performance stuck with me, and it’s a mindset I see mirrored in several key Tigers this season. So, let’s dive into the five athletes I’ll be tracking closely, not just for their stats but for the palpable impact they bring to the court.
First up is Johni Broome, a forward whose presence in the paint feels almost gravitational. I’ve always leaned toward big men who blend physicality with finesse, and Broome embodies that. Last season, he averaged 14.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, numbers that don’t even fully capture his defensive disruptions. What stands out to me is his footwork; it’s rare to see someone his size execute spin moves so smoothly, almost like a guard trapped in a forward’s body. I recall one game where he notched three blocks in the first half alone, shifting the momentum entirely. If he can maintain that level of energy—similar to how Sleat exploded out of the gate—he’ll be the anchor Auburn needs in high-stakes matchups. Personally, I think his development as a passer could make him unstoppable; he’s already shown flashes, but if he averages even two assists per game, defenses will have to rethink their entire approach.
Next, Aden Holloway has my attention as a freshman guard with a shooter’s touch that feels downright cinematic. I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for players who thrive under pressure, and Holloway’s high school highlights—where he sank 45% of his three-point attempts—suggest he’s built for it. Watching him in early practices, I was struck by his release speed; it’s under 0.6 seconds, which forces defenders to stay glued to him from the moment he crosses half-court. That kind of threat reminds me of Sleat’s opening flurry of threes, creating space not just for himself but for everyone else. In my view, Holloway’s success hinges on his adaptability. College defenses are faster, and if he can navigate that while maintaining his accuracy, he could easily average 12-15 points per game. I’ve seen freshmen falter, but something about his calm demeanor tells me he’s built differently.
Then there’s Chad Baker-Mazara, a wing whose versatility is, frankly, a coach’s dream. I’ve always valued players who don’t fit neatly into one box, and Baker-Mazara is exactly that—a 6’7” threat who can drive, shoot, and defend multiple positions. Last year, he put up 9.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, but it’s his intangibles that grab me. In a recent scrimmage, he tallied four steals and two assists in just 20 minutes, showcasing that same all-around hustle Sleat displayed in setting up his teammates. What I love about him is his unpredictability; he’ll pull up for a three one possession, then slash to the rim the next. If he can boost his scoring efficiency—say, shooting 48% from the field—he’ll be a nightmare for opponents. From my perspective, his role off the bench might actually amplify his impact, giving Auburn a spark when the starters need a breather.
Moving to the backcourt, Tre Donaldson brings a steadying influence that I find utterly refreshing. As a point guard, his court vision is among the best I’ve seen in recent Auburn history. He averaged 4.1 assists per game last season, but what stands out is his assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.8:1—a mark that screams reliability. I remember one close game where he dished out seven assists without a single turnover, controlling the tempo like a seasoned pro. That ability to create for others, much like Sleat did in building that early lead, is why I’m so high on him. Personally, I’d like to see him take more shots; he’s a capable scorer, but his humility sometimes holds him back. If he can add 8-10 points per game to his playmaking, he’ll be the engine that drives this team deep into March.
Finally, Dylan Cardwell rounds out my list as the defensive stalwart who embodies sheer energy. I’ll be honest: I’m biased toward players who leave it all on the floor, and Cardwell’s shot-blocking and rebounding are pure hustle. Last season, he averaged 2.1 blocks in just 18 minutes per game—a rate that, if extended, could place him among the nation’s leaders. His presence in the lane reminds me of how Sleat’s early intensity set the tone; it’s infectious, lifting the entire team. What I appreciate most is his leadership; he’s not the star scorer, but he communicates constantly, directing traffic and boosting morale. In my estimation, if he can stay out of foul trouble and log 25 minutes a night, he’ll be the unsung hero who wins games with stops and rebounds.
As the season unfolds, I’ll be watching these five with a keen eye, not just for their stats but for the moments that define a team’s identity. From Broome’s dominance in the paint to Holloway’s sharpshooting and Cardwell’s relentless defense, each brings a piece of that fiery debut energy I saw in Sleat. In my years covering the sport, I’ve learned that seasons aren’t won on talent alone—they’re forged in those early bursts of momentum, where one player’s spark ignites the whole squad. For Auburn, that potential is palpable, and if these athletes mesh as I suspect they will, we could be in for a thrilling ride. So, grab your popcorn; this Tigers team has the pieces to make some noise, and I, for one, can’t wait to see how it all plays out.