AUBURN, Ala. – The journey begins on Sunday as Furman presents the preseason No. 11-ranked Auburn men’s basketball team its first test of the 2024-25 season in a charity exhibition game held at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C.
It will mark the earliest start to a season for the Tigers in program history. The previous was an exhibition game versus Victory University on Oct. 28 to unofficially tip-off the 2013-14 campaign. The Tigers and Paladins will square off at noon (CT) / 1 p.m. (ET).
“We don’t know, what we don’t know,” head coach Bruce Pearl said. “We are going to find out a lot about ourselves this next week with Furman and Florida Atlantic (on Friday, Nov. 1). I want to thank the NCAA on another great rule change – allowing us to play other Division I opponents, having these games in front of the public and being able to do something with the proceeds.”
For the fifth time in the last seven seasons, the Tigers have been ranked in the national polls. The No. 11 ranking is tied for the third-highest preseason ranking in program history.
Auburn is the SEC’s highest-rated team at No. 3 in the KenPom preseason ratings behind Houston and Duke. The Tigers return three starters including preseason first team All-American and National Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome (Plant City, Fla.).
Last season, the Tigers played Furman in a closed scrimmage in Auburn. The Paladins were picked to finish fifth in the Southern Conference preseason coaches poll. They are led by preseason All-SoCon Team selection PJay Smith Jr., who averaged 10 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists, while shooting 36.3 percent from 3-point range a year ago.
Furman returns three starters from a team that posted a 17-16 overall record and finished fifth in the SoCon with a 10-8 mark in 2023-24.
“’Why Furman?’” Pearl said. “Bob Richey is a great offensive coach. They are always one of the best teams in the SoCon and they are going to have a nice crowd on Sunday. It will be a really good environment for us and we will be challenged.”
Richey has led Furman to a winning record in every season he has been the head coach of the program. In addition, the Paladins have been ranked in the Top 25 nationally in 3-point field goals made and attempts every season under Richey.
Auburn is no stranger to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena having last played in the venue during the 2022 NCAA First and Second Rounds.
PEGUES RETURNS
Prior to transferring to Auburn during the offseason, senior guard JP Pegues (Nashville, Tenn.) led the Paladins with 18.4 points and 4.8 assists per game, while also posting team highs in field goals made (172), 3-pointers made (83) and free throws made (126).
“JP is like a lot of my point guards – he is a really good scoring point guard,” Pearl said. “JP can score and can really shoot the basketball. He can get downhill and makes pretty good plays and good decisions. He’s a smart player. He’s a really solid defender and has worked hard on his defense. Any player transitioning from mid major to high major, they will tell you, the physicality and speed at this level isn’t something you can prepare for. It’s a step-up. He’s been a really good leader. He’s one of our hardest workers and he does everything you ask him to do.”
FOR A CHARITABLE CAUSE
Proceeds from the exhibition will benefit the Friends of Cleveland Park and the City of Greenville’s park restoration projects. The mission of the Friends of Cleveland Park is to promote and protect Greenville’s largest park, share its history and ensure its preservation for future generations.
During the game, Furman will recognize City of Greenville employees for their heroic efforts during the Hurricane Helene.