Bruce Pearl praises improved leadership in Auburn locker room

Bruce Pearl has another top-notch Auburn team on his hands as the AP has them ranked No. 21 in the nation. As they’ve grown throughout their 13-3 start, though, Pearl says leadership is one way his Tigers have improved the most.

Pearl preached about leading, communication, and accountability following Auburn’s latest 82-73 win at Ole Miss on Tuesday. He said this team is his player’s team and that their ownership of it has allowed them to be better by holding each other responsible for their success.

“I think there’s been more leadership, for sure, and more accountability,” said Pearl. “Here’s the deal. I have a job to do (but) this is not my team. It’s their team. If we don’t win, I’ll say it’s my team. I’ll try to take the heat off. But I’ve been coaching so long and I’ve had so many teams. These guys have got two, three, four years. That’s it.”

“When they take ownership of it? And are able to be accountable, be able to call each other out and things? Those are strengths (as) the communication has been better,” Pearl answered.

Auburn has had to overcome a lot of changes after losing a handful of key pieces from last season’s team. They started strong at 8-0 but then fell into a bit of a rut at 3-3 as they transitioned from their non-conference schedule to SEC play. However, they’ve found their footing again. They earned a 13-point win over No. 13 Arkansas last Saturday before this week’s win in Oxford over the Rebels.

If Pearl could point to one of the biggest reasons they’ve been able to get back on track, he’d give the credit to the new and improved leadership from his team. Now he just hopes it continues to carry them forward with their next game coming against Mississippi State in Neville Arena on Saturday night.