by Sports Xchange

PROGRAM DIRECTION: Auburn made a big jump last season with its first postseason berth since the 2003 NCAA Tournament. The result was a loss to Baylor in the NIT quarterfinals, but that did little to dampen enthusiasm. Maintaining that momentum, however, is going to be difficult, though fortunately for the Tigers most of the power in the SEC seems to be in the Eastern Division.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: G DeWayne Reed, G Tay Waller, G Tony Nesmith, F Kenny Gabriel, F Lucas Hargrove.

ROSTER REPORT:

--F Lucas Hargrove has the strength to play inside at power forward and the shooting ability to move outside to the perimeter. "He'll be moving around a lot," coach Jeff Lebo said of the 6-8 senior. Hargrove is up to 225 pounds after reporting at 167 as a freshman.

--F Johnnie Lett has an ankle injury that will have him "day-to-day" in practice in the early going.

--G Tony Neysmith, eligible after sitting out last season following his transfer from Oklahoma, is versatile enough to defend three positions -- point, off-guard, and small forward.