Men's Hoops Predicted to Finish 11th in Preseason Poll

Auburn Junior T.J. Lang (Photo: Auburn Athletics)

With the season officially tipping off in three weeks, the Southeastern Conference has announced the media preseason poll for men’s basketball. According to the media, Auburn is the 11th best team in the SEC heading into the season. Three of the four teams that Auburn will face twice this season (Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss) are projected to finish higher, while the fourth team, Missouri, has been picked to finish dead last in the conference. Auburn will face three of the predicted top five teams on the road this season: January 14th at Kentucky, February 18th at Texas A&M, and March 3 at Georgia. The Tigers will host Florida, who is projected to finish second, on February 14, and will welcome the predicted fifth pick Arkansas on February 25. Auburn will open conference play on December 29th against Georgia. Auburn is returning two seniors to their roster for 2016-17, as well as a host of other contributors from last season. Freshmen such as Mustapha Heron, Jared Harper, and Anfernee McLemore are expected to play key roles this season for Coach Bruce Pearl. Auburn opens the season on November 11th, with a matchup against North Florida. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 P.M. at Auburn Arena.