Paul Finebaum declares Auburn the best team in college basketball over Duke applauds Bruce Pearl for bench depth, recruitment of Johni Broome “I think you have to go with Auburn,” Paul Finebaum said. “And I’m sure some folks in North Carolina are saying, ‘Didn’t they play back….
-paul Finebaum Declares Auburn the Best Team in College Basketball, Applauds Bruce Pearl for Bench Depth and Recruitment of Johni Broome**
ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum has stirred the college basketball world with a bold declaration: Auburn is the best team in the country, even over powerhouse programs like Duke. Speaking on *SportsCenter*, Finebaum credited Auburn’s dominant season, strong recruitment, and remarkable bench depth as key reasons why the Tigers have separated themselves from the competition.
Finebaum’s Case for Auburn**
“I think you have to go with Auburn,” Finebaum said. “And I’m sure some folks in North Carolina are saying, ‘Didn’t they play back in December?’ But this team has only gotten better, and right now, they look like the strongest team in the country.”
Auburn’s rise to the No. 1 ranking has been fueled by a combination of elite coaching from Bruce Pearl and contributions from star forward Johni Broome, who has emerged as one of the top players in college basketball. Broome, averaging 18 points and 11 rebounds per game, has solidified his status as a potential Wooden Award finalist ([Paul Finebaum applauds Bruce Pearl for bench depth, recruitment of Johni Broome – On3](https://www.on3.com/college/auburn-tigers/news/paul-finebaum-applauds-bruce-pearl-for-bench-depth-recruitment-of-johni-broome/)).
However, what sets Auburn apart is not just its starting five but its incredible bench depth. During a recent 94-85 victory over No. 2 Alabama, Auburn’s reserves contributed 42 points, with three bench players scoring in double figures. This depth allows Pearl to maintain a high level of intensity regardless of lineup changes ([Paul Finebaum applauds Bruce Pearl for bench depth, recruitment of Johni Broome – On3](https://www.on3.com/college/auburn-tigers/news/paul-finebaum-applauds-bruce-pearl-for-bench-depth-recruitment-of-johni-broome/)).
Johni Broome’s Impact and Auburn’s Recruiting Success**
Finebaum highlighted Broome’s journey from being the 471st-ranked high school recruit to one of the top players in the nation. “He matriculated through Morehead State before arriving at Auburn, and now he’s developed into either the best or second-best player in the country,” Finebaum said ([Paul Finebaum applauds Bruce Pearl for bench depth, recruitment of Johni Broome – On3](https://www.on3.com/college/auburn-tigers/news/paul-finebaum-applauds-bruce-pearl-for-bench-depth-recruitment-of-johni-broome/)).
Auburn’s ability to attract and develop talent has been instrumental in its recent dominance. Players like Chad Baker-Mazara, Denver Jones, and Miles Kelly have played key roles, with six different Tigers averaging double figures in scoring this season ([Paul Finebaum applauds Bruce Pearl for bench depth, recruitment of Johni Broome – On3]
Bruce Pearl’s Coaching Prowess**
Finebaum was quick to praise Bruce Pearl, calling him “one of the elite coaches in the country.” Pearl’s ability to develop players and create a winning culture at Auburn has made the program a magnet for top recruits and transfers. Auburn’s defensive intensity, combined with an up-tempo offensive approach, has made them one of the most dangerous teams heading into March Madness ([Paul Finebaum applauds Bruce Pearl for bench depth, recruitment of Johni Broome – On3](https://www.on3.com/college/auburn-tigers/news/paul-finebaum-applauds-bruce-pearl-for-bench-depth-recruitment-of-johni-broome/)).
Auburn vs. Duke: The Debate**
Comparisons between Auburn and bluebloods like Duke and Kansas are inevitable, but Finebaum believes Auburn has the edge. While Duke remains a perennial title contender, Auburn’s depth and balanced scoring attack make them better equipped to handle the grind of the NCAA Tournament ([“I’m not that crazy to go against the SEC’: Paul Finebaum names conference he believes could be the inevitable 2025 NCAAB Champion](https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-basketball/news-i-m-crazy-go-sec-paul-finebaum-names-conference-believes-inevitable-2025-ncaab-champion)).
Finebaum also pointed out the strength of the SEC, stating, “I’m not that crazy to go against the SEC” when discussing which conference could produce the national champion. Auburn’s success is part of a broader trend of SEC basketball dominance, with multiple teams in contention for deep tournament runs ([“I’m not that crazy to go against the SEC’: Paul Finebaum names conference he believes could be the inevitable 2025 NCAAB Champion](https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-basketball/news-i-m-crazy-go-sec-paul-finebaum-names-conference-believes-inevitable-2025-ncaab-champion)).
March Madness Implications**
With only a handful of regular-season games remaining, Auburn appears poised to enter the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 overall seed. If they maintain their current level of play, the Tigers could be on track for their second Final Four appearance in school history—and perhaps their first national championship.
As Finebaum put it, “Bruce Pearl has built something special at Auburn, and right now, they’re the best team in college basketball.”