We have a veteran team and have played two quality opponents pre season plus one game.
I feel good about where we are.
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I’m hyped. I’ve never seen pesik so hyped for so long in the game threads.
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This game is more of a toss-up than many might want to admit. Auburn has moved up to #2 on KenPom, making it a #1 vs. #2 matchup on KenPom this Saturday.
This game could go either way in a blowout, largely because both teams have unproven offenses that have scored against weaker opponents (unproven against great) but feature legitimate, proven defenses.
We’re looking at two teams that might be having their best seasons ever.
Early Game Thoughts:
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Auburn has played three games so far, all against top mid-majors (two scrimmages and one official game against FAU, Vermont, and Furman). Each opponent had a strong offense but questionable defense, and Auburn blew them all out.
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The first two scrimmages had only highlights available, but Auburn’s defense looks scary now that I’ve seen a full game. Their defense is typically strong, but with Broom, an elite shot blocker, Auburn usually has some weaknesses on the perimeter. Not this season—the perimeter defense is just as solid. Freshman Jahki Howard particularly impressed me defensively. Vermont, projected to have a top 60 offense, had only 34 points until the last four minutes (when the walk-ons subbed in) in a high-paced game. Vermont was at just 11 points in the second half until that point. Auburn may be a top-3 defense we face all year.
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Auburn put up a huge number of points, though it’s less impressive considering none of their opponents are known for defense, and Auburn had a significant size advantage. Still, like us, they have several players who can make open threes, though they take few off the dribble or contested.
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I think we’ll win the rebounding battle; they have a huge starting lineup, but every lineup besides the starting five is shorter. It will be close—I’m assuming Francis plays.
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I believe we can shut them down if our defense makes them uncomfortable, keeping them out of rhythm and away from easy catch-and-shoot opportunities.
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Can we score on them? We’ll find out.
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If this game were at the Fertitta Center, I think we would roll because we shoot the ball well in there. We’ll see how they do at Toyota. If the Rockets are in town, I’m guessing that Jabari Smith Jr. will make an appearance.
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Rockets about to go on a road trip so.
But yea Auburn looked good yesterday, Vermont looked like deers in a headlight.
With all these pieces at his fingertips CKS can score on ANYBODY!
Strong defense, traps and presses are the great equalizers in college ball. It will be a tough game, Uzan has to bring it.
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I agree with him. But it’s nice to be able to have the Toyota Center and Tillman on our side. I just hope that we can have a good crowd.
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I don’t disagree with CKS either but the bluntness always cracks me up. Hint of annoyance from other teams not wanting to play at FC
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Yeah, I think the “lessons” learned from having a 20+ point beat down administered may have limited value. 
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It’s ok, we’ll just beat them wherever they want to get beat at. 
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Will Francis be playing?
Samson said in today’s interview that he’s practicing with the team, so that’s a good sign. I think maybe he comes off the bench and Tugler continues to start.
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Post game Monday, CKS said he held Francis out so Lath could get some quality time on the court. Francis was ready, but coaches decision held him out.
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ESPU television announcers for Saturday’s Auburn vs UH game are Rich Hollenberg and Fran Fraschilla.
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Wait. I don’t get that. If they don’t want to play us a true home and home, then they can go fluff off. This isn’t the football team where some of these schools may have the leverage in dictating terms. This is the BASKETBALL PROGRAM that has all the tradition and an impressive multi year record. Auburn can go hump itself. They’re delusional if they think we need them.
Honestly, I’d like to play more Big East teams. I think they are the real threat.
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If good teams refuse to schedule in Fertitta Center because the atmosphere gives UH a big advantage, I take that as a huge complement.
For the record, Auburn plays Duke at Cameron Indoor Arena on December 4, 2024. I guess that means Fertitta Center is a more hostile environment for the visiting team than Cameron.
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Would be cool to have the home game but we do make a little extra doing playing at TC. Return games in Birmingham so all good as far as I’m concerned. Nobody’s dictating terms to us.
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No Conference for Old Men podcast - Previewing Auburn and Houston:
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