2022-23 Auburn Trojans Team Preview
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Auburn had a phenomenal season in 2021-22, culminating in a 3A State Championship and a second-place finish in the State Champions Invitational in Tampa, FL. They were led by two D1 commits, a D2, and an NAIA commit. They lose…
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Continue ReadingAuburn had a phenomenal season in 2021-22, culminating in a 3A State Championship and a second-place finish in the State Champions Invitational in Tampa, FL. They were led by two D1 commits, a D2, and an NAIA commit. They lose those four starters but should still be favored to win the 3A North Puget Sound League. Here’s a breakdown of guys leaving and who will fill their shoes.
Graduated: Maleek Arington (Idaho State), Tre Blassingame (Fairleigh Dickinson), Dae’kwon Watson (Montana State Northern), Kaden Hansen (St. Martins)
Incoming: Jerry Petty Jerry Petty 5'8" | CG Auburn | 2023 State WA (Rainier Beach), Jaylen Petty Jaylen Petty 5'11" | PG Auburn | 2025 State WA (Rainier Beach)
Key Returning: Semaj Brown Semaj Brown 6'5" | SG Auburn | 2023 State WA , Tyrell Nichols Tyrell Nichols 6'2" | CG Auburn | 2023 State WA , Luvens Valcin Luvens Valcin 6'2" | SG Auburn | 2024 State WA , Easton Rutledge, Devon Anderson, Jaydon Mitchell
There is a lot of talent and experience that headed out the door after last season but I was able to catch up with Coach Ryan Hansen and he doesn’t see any reason to let off the gas. He helped me get to know this 2022-23 Trojan squad a little better, detailing his expectations for returning players and what the new guys can bring to the table. Here’s a breakdown of some key guys suiting up for Auburn next season.
Brown is the lone returning starter from last season and Coach Hansen has him pegged as one of the key vocal leaders for next season. Hansen said it’s something that comes naturally to Brown and it will be his responsibility to take the reins vacated by Tre Blassingame. As for the rest of Semaj’s game, it will be fun to see how he flourishes with more scoring opportunities. He’s a big wing that can handle the ball, nail the outside shot, and use his physicality under the rim to get those tough buckets inside.
Mr. Nichols has the potential to be a “big scorer” as Coach Hansen put it. We saw Nichols come off the bench last season and provide energy on defense as well as coming up with clutch shot after clutch shot. He’s another guy that will bury the three-ball and can sink those athletic finishes at the hoop. Look for him to be an even stronger defender this winter with great reach and lateral quickness.
Some people might know him as “Baby Zion” and everyone who’s seen him play can understand why. Valcin is one of the most explosive players in the state and Coach Hansen thinks he will have a breakout season this winter. He has an “improved perimeter game” and Hansen says if he can keep that consistency outside he has the ability to be a “high-level college player.” Aside from his sky-high potential, Hansen also expects Valcin to be one of the leaders next season. According to Coach, Valcins is a “vocal kid” that has the respect of his teammates, and he should help continue to keep the team’s expectations high.
Petty suited up for Rainier Beach last season and actually lost to Auburn in the 3A Championship. Shortly after, Petty transferred to Auburn and the timing could not have been better. By getting to Auburn when he did, Petty was able to play summer ball with the Trojans. Getting that time in over the summer was crucial as Hansen says Petty was able to adjust to the way they do things and get comfortable as their starting point guard. He has “big shoes to fill” as Coach Hansen alluded to last year’s All-State point guard, Maleek Arington. Petty has great quickness and surprising length for his size. He can create a lot off the dribble and is yet another Trojan who can make it rain from outside.
Jaydon Mitchell
Jaydon Mitchell
This is a name I was not familiar with but Coach Ryan Hansen is excited about what Mitchell can bring to the team this year. Mitchell missed all of last season with a knee injury after transferring over from Kentwood. At Kentwood he was a third-team all-league selection as a sophomore, averaging 11.4 PPG/3.4 RPG/3.2 APG. He doesn’t provide a lot of size, but he’s another ballhandler and a guy who can win one-on-ones. He has a buttery looking outside shot and uses his strength to fend off defenders on his way to the cup. He’ll be a key player for Auburn this coming season.
While these are the big names you should expect to contribute to the Trojans, here are a few others to keep an eye on who have that championship experience and know what it takes to be a part of a winning culture.
Easton Rutledge (2023) is a 6’2 wing who had some crucial minutes in the state championship game and showed some true toughness battling against players like Josh Connerly. His experience will be critical to another successful season.
Devon Anderson (2023) is a 6’2 guard who Coach Hansen praised for having a strong summer and should be another good contributor off the bench who understands what it takes to win.
Jaylen Petty Jaylen Petty 5'11" | PG Auburn | 2025 State WA (2025) is a transfer from Rainier Beach, along with his brother, that will bring energy and another ultra-quick player at the guard spot. He is yet another guy that can get hot from distance and help space the floor for Auburn.
No matter how you slice it, last year’s performance is a tough show to follow up but Coach Ryan Hansen still believes he has a top ten team on his hands, “We understand there’s a target on our back…but we won’t run away from it.” With all of the championship experience and an emphasis on matching last year’s effort defensively, there is no reason to think the Trojans won’t be in the mix when all is said and done.
Along with defending their 3A Title, the Auburn basketball squad will be participating in The Classic at Damien December 26-30 in La Verne, CA.