Bruce Pearl sends strong message on Auburn’s transfer haul

Bruce Pearl had strong praise for the latest Auburn basketball transfer haul, praising their work ethic — both where they came from and what they are showing the coach about where they want to go under the AU umbrella since signing on — during an interview with AuburnLive.

“You’ll notice in recruiting? A high mid-major player in Denver Jones out of Conference USA, two junior college players, a Division II player,” Pearl prefaced before saying, “These guys are humble and they’re hungry. That’s part of our culture. They’re so blessed and excited to be at Auburn. And their work ethic is really good.”

While explaining the mental makeup of his team Pearl alluded to the root of the culture of Auburn basketball and Auburn Athletics across the sports spectrum: the Auburn Creed.

“Part of the way that you maintain the culture is by just reading The Auburn Creed,” Pearl prefaced before saying, “Simply do the things God would have us do, praying before your meals, loving on your country, doing the community service, not being jealous of another man’s success. Do I make the other four guys out there better?”

Bruce Pearl gives praise to returning Auburn basketball players and new assistant coach

Pearl didn’t save the praise for just his newcomers; doling equal amounts of excitement to both his returning players, including upperclassmen Jaylin Williams, Dylan Cardwell, Johni Broome, and Lior Berman, as well as new assistant Corey Williams. Pearl implored to be judged by those he surrounds himself with because of the strength of his support staff and locker room leaders.

“The guys that we returned are really good team players — Then you bring a guy in like Corey Williams,” Pearl said. “So I’ve got to live with you want to judge me? Judge me by the people I surround myself with. Judge me by my staff, judge me by the character of our players. I’m down with that.”

Evidently, Pearl is high on his group — a testament to his belief in his team, which underperformed during the 2022-23 season relative to expectations but still showed enough promise to beat Sweet 16 teams like Arkansas and Tennessee.