Tahj, newcomers shine

AUBURN, Ala. | One week into preseason practice and Auburn's newcomers are already making a big impact starting with Tyler HarrisClick [rl]Here to view this Link..

The Providence graduate transfer had 18 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Tigers in Saturday's scrimmage.

"I thought Tyler was a factor inside with his rebounding, and just made a lot of really good plays," Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said. "I think you see we have some more weapons out there."

Also putting up good numbers were Marshall transfer Kareem Canty with 16 points and junior college transfer TJ Dunans with eight points, five assists and four steals.

"Kareem did not play well today because he had six turnovers, but he can play," Pearl said. "This was his worst day, but the thing about him that I really like is that he's been one of the most consistent players in practice so how does he respond from this.

"TJ Dunans is really able to make plays. He had five assists and two turnovers. He led us in assists again. He had four steals. Even though he's on the wing, he's one of our best breakdown guys. He's really hard to stay in front of and he's a very, very willing passer. That was obviously encouraging."

Danjel Purifoy led Auburn's four freshmen with 10 points, New Williams had five and Horace Spencer had four rebounds and two blocked shots. Bryce Brown sat out the scrimmage with a slight ankle injury.

"They're typical freshmen," Pearl said. "They're immature, they play young. Horace is a rare athlete. Horace didn't have a great day today but he's really good at a high level and he's a hard worker. He's gained 20 pounds already. He's a beast and people should be afraid of him. Maybe not right away, maybe not his freshman year, but ooh, goodness gracious.

"Bryce Brown can shoot it from any place in this gymnasium. New Williams has got some ability, got some skills. He's just got to learn how to play a little bit more. He's probably better on the ball than off the ball. Purifoy has got the stroke of a pro. It was like I was yelling at him all day long to shoot the ball. He's got a pro game and a pro body."

Cinmeon Bowers and Tahj Shamsid-Deen led Auburn's veterans during the scrimmage. Bowers had 15 points, six rebounds and four assists. Shamsid-Deen added 13 points, three rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Shamsid-Deen, who is returning from two separate shoulder surgeries, is pushing for a spot in the starting lineup.

"Tahj Shamsid-Deen played so well today, I can see us playing Kareem and Tahj on the floor together. I can see that. That's something that we'd look forward to," Pearl said. "People would look at us and say, 'You can't play two small guards out there,' but they both play big. They both play bigger than they're size."

Overall, Pearl called the scrimmage sloppy and said his team needs to play more physical, especially the freshmen.

"The younger guys typically aren't as physical, they're just not," he said. "They have no idea how physical. They think these practices are physical? They have no idea what's it's going to be like."

Auburn will play exhibition games against Brevard College Oct. 30 and Indianapolis Nov. 5. The season-opener is Nov. 13 against UAB at the Auburn Arena.