Group Info
r in last seasons Sevens Series with
AUBURN, Ala. Cheap Lightning Jerseys Authentic . -- Bruce Pearl understands if you arent sure what to expect from Auburns basketball team.Most of the roster is comprised of underclassmen and newcomers, including top recruit Mustapha Heron, redshirt freshman Danjel Purifoy and two graduate transfers.Pearl has gotten used to the mystery created by newness since taking over the Auburn program three years ago.For the third straight year, we have six or seven new guys on scholarship, so how could you possibly know as a person, as an observer, as somebody in the media or even me as a coach? he said. Part of the real challenge in building the program is just the fact that the roster has had to be reconstructed, and yet I wouldnt have done it any other way, because there really werent any other options.While it may be restructured and very new, weve got eight very, very solid freshmen and sophomores that are all good players. And so now the foundation is built and a good percentage of our team will return next year, and thats not something weve had yet.It still makes for an uncertain present even if the future seems bright. The Tigers are picked to finish 11th in the Southeastern Conference.Pearl has experienced the first two losing seasons of his 21-year head coaching career since taking over Auburns downtrodden program.The Tigers were 11-20 last season amid injury problems and the early departure of star Kareem Canty. Guard T.J. Dunans is back after averaging 11.6 points in 16 games before going down with a left knee injury.Freshman Bryce Brown also averaged double digits scoring while setting a freshman record with 78 3-pointers. While the talent infusion appears substantial, Auburn must replace starting interior players Tyler Harris and leading rebounder Cinmeon Bowers from a seemingly perpetually undersized team.Auburn also brought in graduate transfers Ronnie Johnson (Houston) and LaRon Smith, who was tied for third nationally in blocked shots last season at Bethune-Cookman. Horace Spencer returns after ranking third in the SEC in blocks as a freshman, giving Auburn a couple of shot swatters inside. The Tigers still dont have a scholarship player taller than 6-foot-8.Here are some things to watch in Auburns 2016-17 season:PURIFOYS PRESENCE: Last years top recruit sat out the season after he wasnt cleared academically by the NCAA. The 6-foot-7, 230-pounder will likely play out of position frequently at power forward but could fill some of the scoring void.Hes got a really complete offensive skill package, Pearl said. Hell be a very difficult matchup.WHOS THE POINT: Injuries and Cantys early departure left the Tigers playing power forward Bowers at point guard at times. Pearl has more options now for the position, including newcomers Johnson and freshman Jared Harper.I would say that were going to get really solid point guard play, the coach said. Ronnie and Jared, although ones a senior and ones a freshman, are both really fast and really quick offensively and defensively. We should be able to fly up and down the floor with the ball in their hands. Well be hard to press.Theyre both really good playmaking guards and they can both shoot it.TOUGH SCHEDULE: Auburn has a difficult nonconference schedule that includes games with Texas Tech, Oklahoma, UConn and UAB.BIG CROWDS? Pearls promotional efforts and recruiting have generated some excitement. Auburn has sold out season tickets in three straight years for the first time in school history, though part of that is because the Tigers play in the smaller Auburn Arena now. Before Pearls arrival, Auburn had only managed that in 1999-2000. Cheap Tampa Bay Lightning Jerseys . -- There were a lot of firsts for the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. Wholesale Lightning Jerseys .Y. -- Bills receiver Stevie Johnson has a bone to pick with the NFL schedule maker. http://www.cheaplightningjerseys.com/ . Lack made 20 saves for his third shutout of the season as the Canucks blanked the St. Louis Blues 1-0 in the first post-Olympic game for both teams night. As rugby sevens prepares to take its Olympic bow in Rio, these are the players to watch out for when the womens competition kicks off on Aug. 6 and the men get started on Aug. 9.Collins Injera (Kenya) A sevens legend who is the record try-scorer on the World Rugby Sevens Series circuit with 235 and one of Kenyas most recognised sports stars. Away from the sport, he works full-time for a PR company in Nairobi but his focus in Rio will be on trying to steer his teams way through a pool featuring New Zealand, Great Britain and Japan.Emily Scarratt (Great Britain)?She has won the World Cup in 15s with England and will skipper Team GB at Rio. In 15s she has developed one of the most accurate kickers in world rugby but possesses a scything sidestep which sees her create space for herself and teammates.Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand) The box-office star of Olympic sevens. In the 15-man form of rugby he has won the World Cup twice, and also has rugby league and boxing titles to his name. His hero is Muhammad Ali and his fame will give him a cachet beyond his sport at the Olympics. His offloads are sensational and the achievement of transferring from 15s to sevens in the space of just a year cannot be underestimated.Ellia Green (Australia)She could have been a short-distance track athlete such is her pace and she will light up Rio with her blistering speed. Australia headed to Rio as favourites for the womens crown and Green will be integral to their medal charge. To get an idea of her ability, have a look at this try from the Gold Coast Sevens in October 2014.Seabelo Senatla (South Africa)The Blitzbokke star was the top try scorer in last seasons sevens series with 66 and is one of the most lethal finishers in the sport. He has Super Rugby experience having played for the Stormers and, aged just 23, he could have a fine career on the international stage in 15s. With the likes of Springboks superstar Bryan Habana missing out on a space in the South Affrica squad for Rio, expect big things from Senatla and his teammates. Cheap Adidas NHL Jerseys. Portia Woodman (New Zealand)?She comes from a rich New Zealand rugby heritage with both her father and uncle playing for the All Blacks in the 1980s. She was crowned World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2015 and is also a gifted netball player and her try-scoring pedigree is second to none on the circuit.Tom Mitchell (Great Britain) Team GBs build up has been less than ideal. England, Wales and Scotland played apart on the Sevens Series and have only had four tournaments together under the united umbrella. But Mitchell, who will captain Great Britain in Rio, is one of the games finest playmakers and is a hugely impressive individual both on and off the field.Perry Baker (USA) Even Senatla says that Perry Baker and his U.S. teammate Carlin Isles are quicker than him. Thats no mean feat. Baker grew up playing college football and was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles only for an injury to curtail his chances of playing in the NFL. He is frighteningly quick and if the U.S. get on the front foot with the brilliant Madison Hughes pulling the strings, Baker could be one of the stars of the Games.Ghislaine Landry (Canada) Landry was the top points scorer in last seasons Sevens Series with 158. She has a degree in human kinetics and her nickname is the pocket rocket. Her goal at Rio is simple: to win and create a legacy so the game continues to grow in Canada.Savenaca Rawaca (Fiji) The great Fiji coach Ben Ryan rates Rawaca highly and so do Premiership side Saracens whove signed him ahead of next season. Fiji are the team to beat in the mens side of the tournament and when you cast your eye across their incredible squad, it is easy to see why. You could pick any one of their 12-strong party for a player to watch but Rawaca should be superb. ' ' '
- Created: Apr 8 '19
- Admin: love520
Users
Newsfeed
- No items
