Bruce Pearl sends strong message on Auburn basketball transfers: ‘Got chips on their shoulder’
Auburn basketball head coach Bruce Pearl spoke highly of two incoming transfers the program has landed, FIU’s Denver Jones and UAH’s Chaney Johnson, claiming both are hungry and come to the Plains with chips on their shoulders.
“Both overlooked, and both got chips on their shoulders,” Pearl prefaced before saying, “They’re both hungry. They both dreamed of someday being at a place like Auburn, and now it’s a reality for them. I’m just so excited about coaching guys who are going to be in the gym every night, who are grateful for the scholarship and for the opportunity.”
Jones joins a backcourt that has lost Wendell Green Jr. (NBA draft), Zep Jasper (graduation), and Chance Westry (transfer portal). Johnson, meanwhile, could be replacing Allen Flanigan — who is currently weighing his future options — on the wing. Lior Berman could return and receive a scholarship after four years as a walk-on to alleviate the roster issues at forward.
Bruce Pearl foresees big Auburn basketball minutes for Chaney Johnson
Pearl foresees Johnson getting big minutes for the Tigers during the 2023-24 season, playing at both the small forward and power forward positions.
“I think he’ll compete at the 3 and the 4,” Pearl said of Johnson. “He’s big enough to play a little bit of an undersized 4. He’s got real skill. He’s got real athleticism. Look, he played against us last year when we played them, and he played our 4-man even. And I think he’s quick enough, and he’s got enough skill that he could play some on the wing, so he’ll play.”
Auburn played Johnson and UAH (University of Alabama in Huntsville) on November 2, with the Tigers winning the exhibition against the Division II school, 87-69.
Bruce Pearl foresees at least one more Auburn basketball transfer
Pearl shared that his Tigers may not be done adding more talent via the transfer portal, predicting at least one more addition but hinting that Auburn basketball could be interested in several additions.
“We’re probably going to bring in at least one, maybe two more,” Pearl said. “But I would once again be surprised if we used all 13 scholarships. Wouldn’t be surprised if at least one of our walk-ons goes on scholarship this year.”
As previously mentioned, Berman could be the player Pearl is referring to regarding a walk-on receiving a scholarship.