Auburn Basketball: 5 Positive Signs For 2014-15 Season
![Bruce Pearl](/ncaa-basketball/files/2014/09/mainbruce.jpg)
After a terrible 2013-14 college basketball season, the Auburn Tigers made a few major changes in the offseason. New head coach Bruce Pearl looks to get things done in his first year with the Tigers, and the team has the talent to do so. Here are five positive signs for the Tigers' 2014-15 season.
5. Incoming Recruits
![Bruce Pearl SEC](/ncaa-basketball/files/2014/09/1-Copy8.jpg)
5. Incoming Recruits
![Bruce Pearl SEC](/ncaa-basketball/files/2014/09/112.jpg)
Under Tony Barbee, Auburn lost several top recruits to disciplinary problems and transfers. Now with Bruce Pearl at the helm, the Tigers are bringing in a very talented freshman recruiting class. Both Horace Spencer and Danjel Purifoy should see some time on the court.
4. No Home-and-Home Against Kentucky and Florida
![Billy Donovan John Calipari](/ncaa-basketball/files/2014/09/2-Copy8.jpg)
4. No Home-and-Home Against Kentucky and Florida
![Billy Donovan John Calipari](/ncaa-basketball/files/2014/09/27.jpg)
Auburn only plays the elite teams in the SEC once each, making things much easier for the Tigers.
3. KT Harrell Returns
![KT Harrell](/ncaa-basketball/files/2014/09/3-Copy7.jpg)
3. KT Harrell Returns
![KT Harrell](/ncaa-basketball/files/2014/09/37.jpg)
The Tigers may have lost Chris Denson to graduation, but KT Harrell forwent the NBA Draft and the ability to star overseas to return to Auburn for his senior year. The former Virginia Cavalier transfer averaged nearly 18.3 points a game, despite taking a back seat to Denson several times last season. This season is his year to shine.
2. Non-Conference Schedule Ripe With Bubble Teams
![Auburn basketball](/ncaa-basketball/files/2014/09/4-Copy7.jpg)
2. Non-Conference Schedule Ripe With Bubble Teams
![Auburn basketball](/ncaa-basketball/files/2014/09/47.jpg)
The Tigers play Clemson, Xavier, Tulsa, Colorado and Oklahoma State, all of which are teams that are expected to finish with a top 100 RPI. If Auburn can knock off a majority of these teams and avoid losing against weak teams in SEC play, a seventh or so finish in the SEC could still see this team into the 2015 NCAA Tournament.
1. Bruce Pearl
![Bruce Pearl Auburn](/ncaa-basketball/files/2014/09/5-Copy7.jpg)
1. Bruce Pearl
![Bruce Pearl Auburn](/ncaa-basketball/files/2014/09/57.jpg)
There are very few coaches as exciting as Bruce Pearl in any college sport at any school in the country. He brings an energy with him that electrifies the fanbase and the team. Look for big things from Auburn down the road.
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