2023-2024 Team Preview: Auburn Tigers

Auburn Tigers   Class 7A Area 4   Head Coach: Chris Brandt   Last Season Record: 24-5 (According to maxpreps.com)   Instagram: auburnhighmbb   X/Twitter: @auburnhighmbb     [player_tooltip player_id='1711252' first='Bradley' last='Pearson'] (5'11/SG/'24)   Instagram: bradley_bdog   Bradley will be a key scoring piece for the Tigers this year. He is an aggressive attacking guard who likes to live in the paint. His under 6-foot size does not deter him from getting in the paint and challenging interior post-defense players. As good as he is off the bounce, he is just as lethal from beyond the ac. He is highly efficient and accurate when shooting the long ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='1429250' first='Adam' last='Gonia'] (5'8/PG/'24)   Instagram: agonia3   X/Twitter: @adamgonia2   I had an opportunity to see Adam at the University of AL-Huntsville Elite Camp, and he was phenomenal at the lead-guard spot. Has a very high IQ and is deadly from the 3-point line. When you look at his 45% shooting from beyond the arc last season, you quickly realize that he has to be accounted for at all times during an offensive possession. He has a true perimeter game, is very smart and skilled, and is a highly reliable and trustworthy floor general.       [player_tooltip player_id='1936520' first='Tabari' last='Allen'] (6'3/W/'25)   Tabari is a versatile and physical wing who can get it done inside and out. He defends all five positions on his squad, allowing Coch Brandt the flexibility to play different styles on both ends of the floor. He is the glue that holds the team together and is flexible to make the necessary in-game adjustments on the fly. His versatility will be on display a lot as Coach Brandt will work to exploit mismatches that are in favor of Tabari.        When talking to Coach Brandt about players needing big seasons for the Tigers, Coach quickly spoke about:   [player_tooltip player_id='2313904' first='Antwane' last='Daniels'] (6'5/PG/'26) has good positional size at the PG spot, which has many intrigued about his development. He had an outstanding summer, improving his weaknesses and honing his strengths. He will give other teams matchup problems because of his versatility, not just at the PG spot but at all positions.   [player_tooltip player_id='2257720' first='Wade' last='Hill'] (6'9/C/'24) is the man in the middle for the Tigers who carries a lot of expectations heading into the season. He played with a lot of confidence this summer and has really worked on his post moves along with his three-point shooting. If he can be effective and provide production from beyond the arc, he is going to keep many coaches up late trying to plan against him. Look for Wade to surprise a lot of people this upcoming season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2314063' first='Tre' last='Ross'] (6'7/C/26) is going to give the Tigers depth at the post position. He won't be asked to do too much early, but as the season goes on, he will be needed to be an intimidating and dominating presence in the paint. Tre has a good IQ that will be needed as he will be able to serve as a facilitator at times. Coach Brandt is excited about Tre and is anticipating what level he is playing come January because, as of now, he has been gaining confidence every day.   This year, the Tigers have added much-needed size that was missing from last year's team. Coach Brandt will look to play a lot of players in an attempt to wear down their opponents. With the caliber guards he has at his disposal, Coach Brandt wants his guys to be more aggressive on the offensive end, playing with tempo while at the same time having many different sets to counter other team's defensive strengths.   When asked what it would take for his team to make a deep playoff run, make it to the Final Four, or even win the State Championship, Coach Brandt told me the Tigers bring back seven players who contributed a ton last year. They are now very experienced after leading the team to a 24-5 record last season. When he mixes in the young talent coming into the program, he believes his team should make it an exciting year to watch. He scheduled more challenging opponents starting off early in the season as his team will be going to the N2 Hoops Tournament, followed by playing last year's 6A State Champions Valley Rams. The Tigers are not ducking any smoke as those around the program believe they will be competing for the state crown in Birmingham this year.

Auburn Tigers