I still remember watching Patrick Sleat’s explosive debut for Perpetual Help in the NCAA Season 101—the way he came out firing, hitting threes, converting and-ones, and setting up his teammates like a seasoned playmaker. That kind of electric start is exactly what the Auburn Tigers basketball program needs right now after last season’s underwhelming finish. As someone who’s followed college hoops for over a decade, I’ve seen teams rise from mediocrity to contention, and I believe Auburn has the pieces to do just that—if they can channel the kind of energy Sleat showed in that opening game.

Last season, Auburn finished with a 20-13 record, which, let’s be honest, fell short of expectations given the talent on the roster. They struggled in close games, particularly against top-25 opponents, where they went just 4-7. Defense wasn’t the issue—they ranked 32nd nationally in points allowed per game at 67.8—but their offense often stalled when it mattered most. Shooting consistency was a glaring weakness; the team hit only 33.5% from beyond the arc, placing them in the bottom half of Division I. I’ve always felt that Auburn’s half-court sets lacked creativity, relying too heavily on isolation plays rather than the fluid ball movement we saw from Sleat and Perpetual Help. That game against San Sebastian, where Sleat’s early outburst helped build a double-digit lead, is a perfect example of how momentum can shift when a player takes charge. If Auburn can find someone to spark that kind of run early in games, it could completely change their fortunes.

One area where I’m optimistic is the backcourt. With returning guards like Aden Holloway and KD Johnson, there’s potential for a Sleat-like impact—someone who can drain threes and create opportunities under pressure. Holloway, in particular, reminds me of Sleat’s fearlessness; he averaged 12.4 points per game last season and showed flashes of brilliance in transition. But he’ll need to improve his decision-making, as his assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.8 left room for growth. I’d love to see the Tigers adopt a more up-tempo style, pushing the ball in transition to capitalize on their athleticism. Remember how Sleat’s early threes set the tone? Auburn attempted just 22.1 three-pointers per game last year—a number that should be closer to 28 if they want to compete in the SEC. Based on my observations, teams that embrace the three-ball early often force defenses to spread out, opening lanes for drives and kick-outs. It’s a strategy that could turn those narrow losses into wins.

Of course, rebounding and interior defense will be crucial. Last season, Auburn averaged 36.2 rebounds per game but often got outmuscled by physical frontcourts like Kentucky’s, who outrebounded them by 8 in their second matchup. Johni Broome is a solid presence in the paint, but he can’t do it alone. I think adding a versatile forward who can stretch the floor—similar to how Sleat’s all-around game lifted Perpetual Help—would make this team far more dynamic. Recruiting reports suggest Auburn is targeting a 6’8" prospect who shot 39% from three in JUCO play, and if that pans out, it could be a game-changer. Personally, I’ve always valued players who bring energy on both ends, and Sleat’s debut demonstrated that—he wasn’t just scoring; he was making plays happen. Auburn needs that two-way commitment to rebound from last year’s disappointments.

Looking ahead, the non-conference schedule will be a telling indicator. Games against teams like Creighton and Memphis will test whether Auburn has addressed their late-game execution issues. I predict they’ll start strong, maybe going 9-2 in those early matchups, but the real challenge will be maintaining that momentum through SEC play. If they can emulate the confidence we saw from Patrick Sleat—playing like they have nothing to lose—I’m confident they’ll not only rebound but contend for a top-four seed in the conference. Ultimately, basketball is as much about mindset as it is about skill, and Auburn has the talent to turn last season’s lessons into this year’s success.