With only one returning player from last year's Final Four team, Steven Pearl explains how early adversity has his 10 newcomers 'beginning to gel at the perfect time' before tonight's debut.
Bringing 10 new players while dealing with the retirement of his dad Bruce Pearl, Steven talked about how adversity will help define the identity of this team. “One of the unique things about what happened in September, we had to go through some adversity way sooner than 99% of college basketball teams had to this year,” Pearl said during SEC Media Day.
“A lot of teams won’t experience any adversity until November or December based on their schedule, say when they play Houston, get punched in the mouth in the first five possessions.”“That’s going to help this group play tight-knit and together, which is a blessing in disguise with Bruce Pearl stepping down,” Pearl added. “To see them stay together through a difficult situation gives me a lot of hope and encouragement for the future.” Tahaad Pettiford is the only returning player from last year’s Final Four team. Alongside Pettiford in the backcourt will be incoming freshmen Kaden Magwood and Simon Walker. On the wings, the Tigers added Keyshawn Hall, Kevin Overton, Elyjah Freeman and Abdul Bashir. Auburn also brought in frontcourt players like KeShawn Murphy, Emeka Opurum, Sebastian Williams-Adams and Serbian big Filip Jovic. Pearl talked about the growth he’s seen just watching the team in practice and believes that they are beginning to gel at the perfect time. “I’ve been impressed to watch their bond and unity as a unit. They knew coming in there was going to be somebody at every position they had to compete with. That’s what they signed up for, play against really good competition and players not only to help the team win but to help them grow as an individual,” Pearl said. “To watch them compete at a high level, knowing how much they hate to lose, but them grow with their friendships, has been really positive,” Pearl added. “I think it’s a big reason why they all ultimately decided to stay. Proud of the kids and their chemistry together.” Pearl will start his tenure as head coach tonight in Auburn’s exhibition game against Oklahoma State in Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, Alabama. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our
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