Auburn basketball covered the spread and knocked off a tournament team from this past March on Tuesday night, taking down Morehead State 77-54 during the 2021-22 season’s opening tip-off.
For the #22-ranked Tigers, the victory was expected, but sweet nonetheless considering the various statements made by several newcomers of both the transfer and freshman variety.
While not everyone had their best game, the performance elevated the stocks of several AU ballers.
Let’s take a look at those who saw their stock rise, fall, or stay neutral after defeating the Eagles:
Stock up: Auburn basketball PG Wendell Green Jr.
As the leading scorer for Auburn, Wendell Green Jr. had the most complete performance of any Tiger on the floor on Tuesday night.
Collecting 19 points on 8/17 shooting while knocking down three of his eight 3-point attempts, Green was the primary option and delivered in that role.
Any time you could elicit Jared Harper’s name from your play at the point guard spot, you’re doing something right.
Stock up: Auburn basketball PF Jabari Smith
Jabari Smith wasn’t the featured option on Tuesday night, but the projected NBA lottery pick flashed a diverse skill set that should pose problems for defenders everywhere.
His eight points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block made for a nice stat-line in 20 minutes, but knocking down two of his three long-range attempts was the most exciting aspect of his NCAA debut.
Stock up: Auburn basketball C Walker Kessler
After a fairly quiet exhibition performance against the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles, Walker Kessler decided to make an explosive defensive debut against Morehead State by swatting five shots and swiping two steals.
His 3-point shot will be a work in progress, but Kessler was aggressive and proved that he is all but certain to have a much better sophomore season on the Plains than his freshman season in Chapel Hill.