Bruce Pearl’s challenge to both potential Auburn starting PGs

Auburn basketball head coach Bruce Pearl laid out a specific set of challenges to both of his potential starting floor generals, freshman Aden Holloway and sophomore Tre Donaldson, as the 2023-24 season looms in November.

“They can both shoot it as well as any of the point guards I’ve had,” Pearl said (h/t Rivals). “The question is, whether they play make as well? Will they defend as well? Will they lead a team as well? That’s a lot of stuff to be determined.”

With Holloway and Donaldson, Auburn has two vastly different looks to deploy at their disposal. The former is a true 21st-century guard who can shoot from anywhere on the floor and moves with high-speed fluidity. The latter gets his buckets in a more old-school style, using his body en route to the dish to create separation while serving as a physical ball-hawk on the defensive end having come from a football background.

There’s certainly not a wrong answer with either.

Auburn basketball lineup could feature more newcomers than veterans

If Holloway gets the nod as the starting point guard, there’s a possibility that the Tigers feature more newcomers than veterans in their first five; with only Johni Broome and Jaylin Williams locks to retain their starting spots.

Denver Jones and Chad Baker-Mazara are in the mix to start, which should dramatically help improve the Tigers’ horrid 3-point conversion rate. Add Holloway to that mix, and the on-court product is sure to look different than last year’s.

With Wendell Green Jr., Zep Jasper, and Allen Flanigan gone, there is going to be a much different look for AU’s rotation. Enough contributors are back though, like bench favorites K.D. Johnson, Chris Moore, Dylan Cardwell, and Lior Berman, so this team will feel both fresh and familiar.

Let’s hope the familiar is a Final Four, and the fresh is the first national championship in program history.