Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers are having a special 2021-22 season. Currently, they are #3 in the country. Earlier this year, they reached No. 1 for the first time in program history.
A big part of the Tigers’ success is star freshman Jabari Smith Jr., who is projected as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Appearing on ESPN’s “Jalen & Jacoby” recently, Pearl explained why any NBA team would be lucky to have Smith (via 247Sports):
“J-Rose listen, there’s not even a discussion about whether or not he should go,” Pearl said. “For me, my feeling is just that if you can get in the first round and they’re willing to invest in you as a first-round pick, you gotta go. … You have to get the hell out of here. That’s what I think. It is sure that it is part of the top three. He’s the best size jump shooter in college basketball I’ve seen in years. This matters to the next level. He can keep several positions. This matters to the next level. And he is not afraid of the moment. He is 18 years old and he has tenacity. He has a swagger about him. This is a hassle-free guarantee.
Why is Smith so good? Pearl explains where Smith is now and how much room he has left to grow:
“Well, I think he has a chance to have a really good game because his first step is quick and he can get past you,” Pearl said. “Now in terms of second and third dribble and a bit more strength and size to be able to score through contact, that will come. He is a selfless player, so he also has the chance to be a good playmaker for others. He came to us at around 198 (pounds). He’s 220, 223 right now, so he’s put in a really good 25. You look at this frame and it will be able to fit a lot more. So when you add that power to his game with what he already has, I just think it might just tick all the boxes. If he can see it, he can do it. He can also challenge them.
Now the only question is: how far can Smith take the Tigers this post-season before starting his professional career?
Here’s Pearl’s full appearance in “Jalen & Jacoby”: