Auburn and Bruce Pearl Working to Secure Key Starter for Another Season
The Auburn Tigers are preparing for a crucial showdown against Kentucky on Saturday, hoping to break a decades-long losing streak at Rupp Arena. Auburn hasn’t secured a victory in Lexington since 1988, but before they take the court, head coach Bruce Pearl has revealed another pressing priority for the program—retaining one of his key players for an additional season.
According to 247Sports’ Nathan King, Pearl stated that Auburn is actively working through the process of securing an extra year of eligibility for forward Chaney Johnson.
Johnson’s Impact on Auburn’s Season
Johnson has been a consistent and reliable contributor off the bench for Auburn this season. His ability to provide scoring depth has been crucial, as he currently averages:
10.4 points per game
5.1 rebounds per game
1.6 assists per game
His latest performance saw him put up 13 points in Auburn’s dominant 106-76 victory over Ole Miss on Wednesday night.
This season marks Johnson’s second year with Auburn, and he has shown significant improvement from his first campaign. Last season, he played in all 32 games and averaged 4.7 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. Additionally, he was a consistent presence at the free-throw line, shooting 74.4%
Johnson’s Journey: From Division II Star to SEC Contributor
Before transferring to Auburn, Johnson began his college basketball career at the Division II level with the **University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH)**. Over three seasons with UAH, he developed into one of the top players in the Gulf South Conference.
During the 2022-2023 season, he was named Gulf South Conference Player of the Year averaging:
15.9 points per game
6.7 rebounds per game
His impressive performance at the Division II level helped him earn an opportunity with Auburn, where he has since carved out an important role on the team.
What an Extra Year Could Mean for Auburn
If the NCAA grants Johnson another year of eligibility, it would provide Auburn with a valuable asset heading into the next season. Having experienced players is crucial for maintaining roster depth, and Johnson’s growth as a reliable scorer and rebounder makes him an important piece for Auburn’s future plans.
Auburn Prepares for Showdown with Kentucky
While the eligibility decision is still pending, Auburn remains focused on its immediate challengeSaturday’s matchup against Kentucky. This will be the first meeting of the season between the two programs.
Kentucky, led by first-year head coach Mark Pope, enters the game with a 19-9 overall record and an 8-7 mark in SEC play. Meanwhile, Auburn boasts an impressive 26-2 record, including a dominant 14-1 record in conference play.
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