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As the Auburn Tigers prepare to tip off preseason action later this week, the excitement around college basketball is building for the upcoming campaign. One prominent analytics-based ranking system, KenPom, has unveiled its preseason rankings, and the Tigers have earned a place at No. 25.
Unlike the AP or Coaches polls, the KenPom rankings are driven by Net Rating, a metric created by Ken Pomeroy that calculates the difference between a team's offensive and defensive efficiency. This rating reflects the number of points a team would be expected to beat an average opponent by. Offensive efficiency measures points scored per 100 possessions against an average team, while defensive efficiency measures points allowed per 100 possessions against an average team.
Auburn's preseason Net Rating stands at +22.73, which is just over ten points behind the top-ranked team, Duke, which boasts a rating of +34.42. The Tigers are familiar with success in this system; their 2024 squad reached the No. 1 spot and held it for multiple weeks during Bruce Pearl's final season as head coach. However, last season, the team struggled to crack the top of the list.
This offseason, Auburn has undergone a major rebuild, retaining only two starters in Tahaad Pettiford and Kevin Overton while revamping the entire frontcourt and adding depth from across the country and even two notable international players. The most high-profile addition is Narcisse Ngoy, a 7-foot French big man who was named MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the French Elite 2 league last season after leading the league in blocks and rebounds per game. After initial uncertainty about his eligibility, Ngoy was recently cleared by the NCAA, though with a minor condition.
The biggest remaining question for the Tigers is the eligibility status of their other key overseas transfer, Mantas Rubtaviius, a Lithuanian guard who is expected to bring significant value to the roster. Unlike Ngoy, Rubtaviius has not yet been approved to play.
Auburn has three exhibition games scheduled before the regular season begins on November 4, including matchups against Florida State, Samford, and a preseason Iron Bowl against Alabama on October 22. These games will impact Pomeroy's rankings, so strong performances could propel the Tigers near the top, while struggles could force them to play catch-up all season.
Key Analysis
The KenPom rankings provide an analytical perspective that differs from traditional polls, emphasizing efficiency metrics over subjective assessments. Auburn's No. 25 preseason ranking reflects both the team's potential and the uncertainty surrounding its rebuilt roster. With key international additions and eligibility questions lingering, the Tigers' performance in exhibition games will be crucial in shaping their trajectory for the season.