Auburn enters the Elite Eight against Michigan State coming off its best win of the entire March Madness tournament, a 78-65 win over Michigan in the Sweet 16. They also have their starting lineup buzzing, with Tahaad Pettiford emerging as a potential NBA draft selection off the bench.
Not every Tiger is expected to keep that going against Tom Izzo's Spartans.
The Sporting News' Teddy Ricketson believes Johni Broome should continue his momentum against Michigan State, but has worries about Denver Jones' likely defensive assignment.
"The biggest worry for the Tigers is that they tend to start slowly. They will take on Michigan State in an Elite Eight matchup, and that is probably the best option they could have drawn as the Spartans have been known to start slowly as well. Broome should draw a good matchup, but Jones will have his hands full. He will likely be charged with covering Jase Richardson, but even if he doesn't, Auburn should be able to handle themselves defensively. The Tigers need to focus on getting into their offensive gameplan earlier and not having to rely on a halftime adjustment to give them the boost to finally pull away from their opponent."
After Jones' domination of the Wolverines (20 points on 7-of-13 shooting, four rebounds, two assists), Dylan Cardwell shared the ultimate endorsement of the New Market, Alabama product.
“He makes some clutch shots,” said Cardwell, per Rivals. “He makes shots when we need them. I love Denver Jones to death.”
Jones has been one of Bruce Pearl's most effective guard transfers of the last few years. He'll have one year of eligibility left due to a recent NCAA ruling on JUCO years' effect on eligibility.