Analyst reveals potential small-ball Auburn basketball lineup in 2023-24

With the massive changes coming to the Auburn basketball roster ahead of the 2023-24 season, there is likely going to be a major identity shift for the big-ball Tigers of the past two seasons — particularly in the event of Johni Broome’s potential departure via staying in the NBA draft process.

As the Montgomery Advertiser’s Richard Silva wrote, since AU’s roster is seeing several size upgrades in the backcourt and on the wing, the Tigers could embrace a run-and-gun fast-paced offense in 2023-24.

“A lineup of Holloway, Jones, Baker-Mazara, Johnson and Williams could be dangerous in transition, too, exchanging rebounding and physicality for speed and 3-point shooting ability,” Silva wrote.

Auburn basketball starting Dylan Cardwell would put pressure on the offense

According to Silva, the Tigers being in a position to start Dylan Cardwell could put pressure on the rest of the offense.

“Starting Cardwell, who is also in the draft process – though Pearl said he expects him to return – would put more pressure on Auburn’s other players, specifically the guards on the floor, to create more on offense,” Silva wrote.

Cardwell is a near certainty to score at the rim, averaging 71.5% shooting from the field in his three years on the Plains thus far, but his offensive game is relegated to post-ups and put-backs. Cardwell has only taken one 3-pointer per season, having last made one during the pandemic-stricken 2020-21 season.

Bruce Pearl showed full support in Johni Broome by not getting a replacement via transfer portal

While the transfer portal is Bruce Pearl’s best chance to replace Broome in the lineup, this cycle has already seen the best players go elsewhere. With no clarity regarding Broome’s decision, Pearl gambled on not upsetting the former Morehead State Eagle.

In doing so, he showed full support for the Florida native. There’s a chance that pays off in the long-run if Broome ditches the NBA draft process.