AUBURN, Ala. – George Kimble III, a talented combo guard who spent last season at Vanderbilt University, has officially signed with the Auburn men’s basketball program for the 2026-27 season.
Kimble III missed last year due to a knee injury he suffered at the end of the 2024-25 season while playing at Eastern Kentucky. Prior to the injury, Kimble III was averaging 18.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists for EKU in 25 games played.
“We are excited to welcome George and his family to the Auburn Family,” said Head Coach Steven Pearl. “This program has been built by players with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove—and George fits that mold perfectly.”
A native of Tampa, Fla., and cousin of Olympic track star Justin Gatlin, Kimble III began his career at Division II Eckerd College where he earned Sunshine State Conference Freshman of the Year honors after averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game.
“After beginning his career in Division II, George transferred to Eastern Kentucky, where his season was unfortunately cut short due to injury,” Pearl said. “Over the past year at Vanderbilt, he has focused on preparing for his next opportunity, putting in work in the weight room and continuing to develop his understanding of the game.
“George brings a strong work ethic, toughness, and fearlessness to our backcourt. We take pride in our defensive intensity, and one of the traits that stood out most about George is his ability to disrupt opponents—ranking sixth in the nation in steals two seasons ago while playing just 25 games.”
Kimble III adds a dynamic scorer to a backcourt led by veteran returners Tahaad Pettiford and Kevin Overton.
“While some may shy away from competition with a returning backcourt of Tahaad Pettiford and Kevin Overton, George embraces it. He sees it as a chance to push himself and his teammates. Iron sharpens iron, and we are excited for George to show the basketball world what it missed this past year.”
2026-27 Signees:
Narcisse Ngoy – C – 7’0’’ – France
Bukky Oboye – F/C – 7’1’’ – Houston Texas/Santa Clara
Adam Olsen – G/F – 6’8’’ – Surrey, B.C., Canada/South Alabama
Owen Freeman – F – 6’10’’ – Moline, Ill./Iowa/Creighton
Thomas Dowd – F – 6’8’’ – Dothan, Ala./Troy
George Kimble III – G – 6’2’’ – Tampa, Fla./Eckerd/EKU/Vanderbilt
Caleb Williams – G – 6’5’’ – Tampa, Fla. (incoming freshman)