Many of the athletes on the Auburn football team have the kind of physical acumen that transcends the gridiron and translates to just about any athletic endeavor.
Several of these next-level specimens took to Auburn basketball’s practice courts to compete on the hardwood for a nice break from the bruising ordinary.
Bruce Pearl figured he’d keep the working relationship going.
The Tigers hardwood head coach invited those Auburn football players back after the upcoming 2021 season:
When you guys are done doing your thing on the field this season, I'll give you a shot on the hardwood! Love to watch you finish through contact! What say you @CoachHarsin https://t.co/lJwwTnXj2N
— Bruce Pearl (@coachbrucepearl) August 16, 2021
Obviously this isn’t an open invitation to walk on to the Auburn basketball team. The Tigers are a serious player now in SEC basketball, having won the 2019 SEC Championship and nabbing several 4-star and 5-star recruits via the transfer portal this past offseason. Spots aren’t available, even to the 4-star and 5-star recruits Gus Malzahn and Bryan Harsin have brought on to the current gridiron Tigers.
That said, this is another in a long line of clear signs pointing to Pearl having an undying love for Auburn. And truly, the Plains love him back.
It’s been a pleasant sight seeing Pearl and Harsin interact this offseason after neither team had an ideal season last year on and off the field/court (of course, Harsin himself did have a good season with Boise State).
Many expect a bounce-back…at least from the basketball team. Certain publications have outlandishly low expectations for Auburn football this year.
Regardless of the haters, the Auburn family is together again. Both programs should benefit from that being the case this fall and all the way through the spring.