Mustapha Heron has been the most important recruit for Bruce Pearl in his rebuilding efforts at Auburn.
A 5-star, top 25 rated guard in the class of 2016, Heron lived up to expectations as a freshman. He started in all 32 games, leading the team in points (15.2 ppg) and rebounds (6.1 rpg). For his efforts, he made SEC All-Freshman team.
And while there were reports after last season concluded that he was considering a transfer, he elected to return to Auburn for his sophomore season.
With Heron back to lead this team, the sky is the limit for the Tigers…..unless the Chuck Person mess goes from bad to worse.
And even if it merely lingers in the background, how much of a distraction will it be for this team?
Inside the Numbers
Surprisingly, Heron was not selected to the All-SEC preseason first or second team when the media released its preseason picks on Wednesday. It’s a testament to the depth of the league that he wasn’t.
Heron’s numbers as a freshman were impressive. He shot 44.2% from the field (an impressive 42.3% from 3), and made 77% of his free throw attempts.
He also led the team in field goal attempts by a wide margin, finishing the season with 344 attempts – 73 more than the next player on the roster.
Defensively, his numbers were nothing special. But honestly, you could say that about the entire Auburn team last season, as the Tigers finished 321st nationally in scoring defense (79.6 ppg).
Analysis
Despite the outside distractions, there’s no denying that Auburn’s roster, assuming everyone can stay eligible or healthy, is talented enough to make the NCAA Tournament.
Heron is just one of many talented guys on this roster, but he may prove the most important.
Auburn stumbled last season despite its talent due in large part to a lack of leadership. Can Heron emerge as a leader in a season already marred by adversity?
What seems certain is that Heron will be one of the best scorers in the SEC. He’s physical enough to get to the rim when he wants, but can also light it up from the perimeter. Coming up with a game plan to defend him will keep coaches up for long hours.
But here’s the thing – there are plenty of great scorers in this league. The ones that rise to the top of the conference, separating themselves from the crowd, will be those that can fill the stat sheet while also leading their teams to the postseason. That’s where legacies are truly made.
The Auburn program has been to just eight NCAA tournaments in its 100-plus years of existence. The last trip to the tournament was in 2003.
If Heron can lead this embattled Auburn program back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in fifteen years, his legacy as an Auburn Tiger is secure.