Walking into Neville Arena this season feels like witnessing a basketball renaissance, and I’ve got to say—it’s one of the most exciting Auburn teams I’ve covered in years. With the regular season winding down and the SEC Tournament just around the corner, this squad has shown they aren’t just contenders; they’re legitimate threats. After watching their recent weekend doubleheader, which served as the penultimate test before postseason play, a few things became crystal clear. This team’s identity isn’t built on one superstar but on a core group of players who elevate each other. Let me walk you through the five guys I believe are absolutely essential to Auburn’s success right now.

First up, there’s no ignoring Wendell Green Jr. The guy’s a floor general in every sense—quick, crafty, and ridiculously clutch. In the weekend twin bill, he averaged 16.5 points and 7 assists, but numbers don’t capture his impact. Late in the second game, with the shot clock winding down, he pulled up from way beyond the arc and drained a three that shifted the momentum entirely. I’ve seen plenty of point guards over the years, but Wendell’s ability to read defenses and make split-second decisions is special. He’s not just playing; he’s orchestrating. And let’s be real—his energy is contagious. Whether he’s diving for loose balls or hyping up the crowd, he sets the tone for this team.

Then there’s Johni Broome, the big man in the middle who’s been nothing short of dominant. Standing at 6’10”, he’s a force on both ends, but what impresses me most is his footwork. In the paint, he’s almost graceful, using spin moves and up-and-unders to create high-percentage shots. Over the weekend, he put up 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds per game, including 4 offensive boards in one half alone. Defensively, he’s a rim protector who alters shots without always going for the block—a smart, disciplined approach you don’t always see in college bigs. I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for old-school post play, and Broome delivers that with a modern twist. He’s the anchor, plain and simple.

Jaylin Williams brings a level of versatility that’s hard to come by. At 6’8”, he can play inside or out, and his mid-range game is butter. During the twin bill, he shot 60% from the field and added 3 steals per game, showing he’s just as impactful on defense. But here’s what stands out to me: his basketball IQ. He’s always in the right spot, whether it’s cutting backdoor or helping on a double-team. In one sequence, he switched onto a guard, stayed in front of him, and forced a turnover that led to an easy bucket the other way. That kind of two-way play is invaluable, especially in March. Personally, I think he’s one of the most underrated players in the SEC, and his consistency is a huge reason why Auburn’s offense flows so smoothly.

Allen Flanigan’s resurgence has been a joy to watch. After dealing with injuries last season, he’s come back with a vengeance, using his strength and athleticism to attack the rim fearlessly. In the weekend matchups, he averaged 14 points and 6 rebounds, but it’s his defensive intensity that caught my eye. He held his matchup to just 8 points in one game, using his length to disrupt passing lanes. I remember a play where he stripped the ball near half-court and finished with a powerful dunk—the kind of momentum-swinging effort that gets the whole bench on their feet. Flanigan’s journey hasn’t been easy, and seeing him thrive now feels like a reward for his perseverance. He’s the heart of this team, and his emotional leadership is just as important as his stats.

Last but certainly not least, KD Johnson is the spark plug off the bench. He might not start, but he finishes games, and his energy is absolutely electric. In the twin bill, he contributed 12 points per game, including a couple of steals that led to fast-break opportunities. What I love about KD is his fearlessness. He’s not afraid to take big shots or make the risky play, and while it doesn’t always work out, his confidence is infectious. There was a moment in the fourth quarter where he hit a contested three, then followed it up with a steal and a layup—all within 20 seconds. That’s game-changing stuff. From my perspective, every successful team needs a player like KD: someone who brings chaos and thrives in it.

Looking back at the weekend’s performances, it’s evident that these five players form the core of Auburn’s identity. They complement each other perfectly, with Green’s playmaking, Broome’s interior presence, Williams’ versatility, Flanigan’s two-way grit, and Johnson’s explosive energy. As we head into the final stretch before the SEC Tournament, I’m convinced that this group has what it takes to make a deep run. They’ve shown they can win in different ways, adjust on the fly, and—most importantly—trust each other when it matters. In my years covering college basketball, I’ve learned that talent alone doesn’t win championships; cohesion does. And right now, Auburn has both.