Steven Pearl, Auburn looking to hire GM before open transfer window
By David Wasson
Published:
Mired in a streak of six losses in their past seven games, the Auburn Tigers basketball team is looking to reshape the way they approach the open transfer window by hiring a dedicated general manager.
On3 reported Thursday that Auburn coach Steven Pearl is hiring a GM before the April 7 transfer portal window opens in an attempt to maximize the program’s chances of landing top talent. As Name, Image and Likeness deals continue to reshape college basketball, Pearl and Auburn hope establishing a true front-office presence toward those efforts will keep the Tigers competitive.
Auburn (15-13 overall, 6-9 SEC) heads into the final three games of the regular season needing every victory possible to shore up their NCAA Tournament hopes. The Tigers dropped a 91-79 decision at Oklahoma on Tuesday night, a desultory outcome following a 75-74 home victory against Kentucky on Saturday that snapped a five-game losing streak.
Currently, Kalshi gives Auburn a 48% chance to reach the tournament.
Auburn’s finishing stretch features a couple of SEC foes even farther down the standings than the Tigers. Auburn faces visiting cellar-dwelling Ole Miss (11-17, 3-12) on Saturday (8:30 pm ET, SEC Network) and then hosts LSU (15-13, 3-12) on March 3 (10 pm ET, SEC Network). The season finale, however, is a different story – as the Tigers travel to play No. 17 Alabama (21-7 11-4) on March 7 (8:30 pm, ESPN).
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
