Auburn University is set to welcome a new chapter as Steven Pearl takes on the role of head coach for the Tigers basketball team. The team will debut under his leadership against Bethune-Cookman at the sold-out Neville Arena.
Steven Pearl’s Coaching Debut
This marks the beginning of the Steven Pearl era, following a successful tenure on his father Bruce Pearl’s coaching staff. Over 11 seasons, he played a crucial role in leading Auburn to five SEC championships and two Final Four appearances.
Game Details
- Date: Monday
- Time: 7 p.m. CT
- Venue: Neville Arena
- Opponent: Bethune-Cookman
- Broadcast: SEC Network+
“I’m excited that we have 10 new guys that get to play in front of The Jungle and the Auburn family,” Steven Pearl commented. He expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming game, having seen strong support during the team’s past exhibitions.
Preseason Performance
Auburn’s preseason games were impressive. The Tigers scored 95 points against Oklahoma State and followed up with a commanding 100-point performance against Memphis. These results suggest a high-scoring season ahead.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the strong exhibition performances, Pearl acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. He noted, “We’re going to have our hands full in our first one,” referring to the competitive nature of their upcoming game.
Coaching opponent Bethune-Cookman is former NBA standout Reggie Theus. Pearl highlighted the talent on Theus’s roster, particularly noting the presence of Arterio Morris, a McDonald’s All-American transfer from Texas and Kansas, who could be among the top players on the team.
Adjusting to New Responsibilities
As he navigates his new role, Steven Pearl is refining his pre-game routine. He contrasted his approach with that of his father, mentioning his preference for a straightforward presentation style. “It takes me 10 minutes to put that together at the hotel,” he said, indicating a more concise method than what he observed from his father.
With excitement in the air and new challenges on the horizon, the Steven Pearl era is officially underway as Auburn prepares for the upcoming basketball season.
