Bruce Pearl hoping for big leap from Chaney Johnson in year two

Auburn basketball head coach Bruce Pearl has made it a priority to bring in lower level transfers to fill out his rotation since he took the job on the Plains years ago. One of those transfers, forward Chaney Johnson , saw his role in the Tigers rotation increase over the course of the season last year.

Playing behind star forwards Johni Broome and Jaylin Williams , Johnson learned to thrive as a reserve. As Pearl put it, “”I thought Chaney had just a great year last year coming up from Division Two and coming all the way up to high-major basketball.” With Williams now gone, Johnson should see an even bigger role in 2024-2025.

Speaking with the media, Pearl mentioned how he expects this season to be a “big adjustment” for the 6-foot-7 forward, alluding to Johnson potentially entering the starting lineup on a nightly basis. The junior did start two contests last season, but is not a lock for extended minutes with a crowded front court featuring the aforementioned Broome, Dylan Cardwell, Chris Moore, and SMU transfer Ja’Heim Hudson.

Still, Pearl has continuously praised the junior forward for his work ethic, discipline, and pure athleticism. From all indications, it seems Auburn’s head coach wants the former Division II star to be a focal point of his rotation, although he mentioned “it’s way too early to know who’s going to get the ball.”

If Johnson were to earn an increased run this season, he would surely improve on his offensive averages of 4.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per contest in 2023-2024. We’ll get a better idea of how Bruce Pearl will shape his rotation as the fall nears.

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