Freshman’s Tahaad Pettiford and Jahki Howard combined for 26 points Friday, and this was their second double-figure showing in Auburn’s two exhibitions.
Auburn senior Johni Broome and transfer Miles Kelly led the team with 15 points scored. Postgame Broome spoke on the early impact the freshman has had on the team so far.
“I mean, they’re fun to play with. I bet they’re fun to watch. They’re explosive. They bring the excitement to the Jungle,” Broome. “They both are game-changers, you know, with how they guard and their shot-making ability. It’s just fun, watching them grow and learn and adapt to the college lifestyle and the environment.”
Pettiford scored 12 points and had five assists in 16 minutes. He drained two of his five 3-point attempts looking confident at the point guard position.
Bruce Pearl loved how efficient his guard played and is excited for his growth throughout the season.
“He had five assists and one turnover, and most of it is just instincts,” Pearl said. “Again — one good thing about both freshmen is they want to be coached. It’s really hard because he’s playing point and he’s playing off the ball, it’s a lot to learn. I think one of the things that I like about our team is I think they play pretty unselfishly.”
Howard scored 14 points on 5-for-10 shooting. He added four steals on the defensive end and dazzled fans with an emphatic dunk to top off the stellar defensive play.
Pearl spoke highly of Howard all offseason and says he strives for daily improvement in his game.
“He is so athletic and so explosive, and he wants to be great. He has an energy, obviously. We’ve got to continue to teach him to play aggressive without fouling. I’d say he’s where I thought he’d be because I thought he’s special. But the good thing is he loves to learn, and he does want to get better,” Pearl said. “He’s way too critical of himself. I wish he smiled a little bit more and had a little bit more joy when he’s out there playing. But you could see that both freshmen are pretty good.”
Things get real for the freshman and the rest of the Tigers when they host Vermont Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. in Neville Arena.
