Bruce Pearl says Auburn players have to 'show it' on both ends

Auburn is off to a 9-1 start on the season, but Bruce Pearl is expecting some improved play from the Tigers.

Following a victory over Georgia State on Wednesday, Pearl stated his belief that his players need to improve on both ends of the court moving forward if Auburn is to find continued success.

“We’ll work at it. If I had that answer, we’d be playing better the last three games. I obviously don’t have that answer. I think our players need to have a level of accountability,” stated Pearl. “That’s the best way to do it. I know they can play better.

“I know they’re better. They’ve got to show it on both ends of the floor.”

Alas, Auburn has some tough games on their schedule coming up, with a matchup against the USC Trojans coming on Sunday. That’d be the perfect time for the Tigers to heed Pearl’s advice.

Bruce Pearl says Jaylin Williams has to act like best player on the floor

Bruce Pearl is expecting more out of Auburn basketball forward Jaylin Williams.

Williams asserted himself often in the Tigers’ victory over Georgia State on Wednesday, amassing 20 points, eight rebounds and three blocks during a 72-64 win. However, Pearl sees bigger and better things in Williams’ future, if he can continue to play like he did on Wednesday night.

“Jaylin Williams was the best player on the floor, and Jaylin Williams is capable of being the best player on the floor,” Pearl stated. “Jaylin Williams needs to act like it all the time. 

“Accept it, relish it and see if he can play better. See if he can do more.”

Alas, Williams is averaging 9.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game on the season for Auburn, but it’s obvious Pearl believes he can do much more for the SEC squad. 

Jaylin Williams has immense talent, that much is obvious, but it’ll be fascinating to watch if Bruce Pearl can get more games like Wednesday’s treat out of the Auburn forward.