AUBURN | Auburn has the depth at shooting guard to deal with the suspension of Bryce Brown against Coastal Carolina.

But the center position without Horace Spencer? Not so much.

Auburn coach Bruce Pearl was reluctant to offer details for his plan at the 5 position against the Chanticleers but it’s likely to involve more playing time for freshman forward Anfernee McLemore.

McLemore is averaging 2.9 points and 2.0 rebounds in limited minutes backing up Danjel Purifoy at the 4 position. The switch to 5 would be an adjustment for the freshman but McLemore has been a willing learner.

“We're really happy with Anfernee,” Pearl said. “If he wasn't at the same position as one of the best freshmen in the country in Danjel Purifoy, he'd be playing a lot. He's handled it really well. He so wants to please. Very coachable.

“He's got a lot more ability than what his high school rankings indicated. We think knew what we had when we got him and we haven't been disappointed. He's one of our hardest workers. One of the most disciplined players. He actually can help us in some areas that we need some help in.”

Senior LaRon Smith, a graduate transfer, is expected to start at center for the first time at Auburn. Splitting playing time with Spencer this season, Smith has averaged 5.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. He’s also second on the team with 23 fouls.

Another player that could see his role increase is walk-on Devin Waddell. The senior has played just one minute this season but played in 26 games including a start at Vanderbilt last year.

Auburn (6-2) is coming off a 72-71 loss to Boston College Monday while Coastal Carolina (5-6), coached by former Auburn coach Cliff Ellis, has won two-straight including a 70-67 win over North Carolina Central Saturday.

The Chanticleers have a strong backcourt. Senior Elijah Wilson is averaging a team-best 15.7 points and 3.9 rebounds while junior Jaylen Shaw is averaging 12.9 points and a team-high 4.8 assists.

“Coastal will be harder to guard than Boston College from a standpoint of what they do, because Wilson and Shaw, and they'll play a pick-and-pop power forward that can shoot it and is a tough matchup,” Pearl said. “They've got a couple of good seniors who have been around for years and been in post-season tournament play. And Cliff is a great coach. He'll do a good job with them.”

Tip-off at Auburn Arena is set for 8 p.m. CT Thursday on the SEC Network.