Auburn men’s basketball may be without its starting point guard when it faces Texas A&M on Tuesday night.
Denver Jones was listed as questionable in Monday’s Southeastern Conference availability report after sustaining a right ankle injury during Auburn’s victory over Kentucky on Saturday. He exited the game in the first half and did not return.
Initially, head coach Bruce Pearl stated that Jones had suffered a bone bruise, but on Monday, he clarified that the injury is instead a soft tissue issue. Pearl did not provide a specific timeline for Jones’ recovery, leaving his status for the upcoming game uncertain.
Jones has been a key contributor for Auburn this season, particularly on the defensive end, where he is considered the team’s best perimeter defender. Offensively, he is averaging 10.7 points per game and has been Auburn’s most efficient three-point shooter, converting 43% of his attempts from beyond the arc. His potential absence would be a significant blow for the Tigers, both defensively and in terms of floor spacing on offense.
If Jones is unable to play, freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford is expected to step in as the starting point guard. Pettiford filled in for Jones during the Kentucky game and would likely take on a larger role against Texas A&M. When asked how Auburn would adjust if Jones is unavailable, Pearl remained noncommittal, stating, “We’ll worry about that when it comes to game time.”
Auburn’s matchup with Texas A&M is set to tip off at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN. The Tigers will look to continue their strong play as they navigate the potential absence of one of their key starters.
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