Kenny Gabriel earned a place in the Auburn record books with his performance against Bethune-Cookman Jan. 2.
Gabriel was the first Tiger in history of the program to earn a triple-double. Gabriel scored 24 points and had 13 rebounds and 10 blocks against the Wildcats, and he said his accomplishment was an afterthought.
"I didn't realize it until after the game," he said. "I was just surprised and thankful to go down in history as the first from Auburn."
The senior power forward out of Charlotte, N.C., is averaging 12.6 points per game midway through the season.
His 6-foot-8-inch stature is also helping him in the paint, where he is averaging almost eight rebounds per game in close to 29 minutes of playing time per game.
He said his relationships off the court and his history with basketball provide him strong motivation, his family ties fueling his drive to excel.
"My son and my family keep me motivated," Gabriel said. "Doing something I love to do and have done since I was little gives me motivation. I just have a natural feel for it."
Gabriel's leadership is a major factor in the Tigers' turnaround season.
"If we keep playing Auburn basketball, I can see us making the NCAA Tournament," Gabriel said.
Last season, Gabriel finished with a career-high 320 points.
After the 85-56 loss to Florida State last Wednesday, Gabriel is more than halfway to his current high with 177 points.
Gabriel leads the team in points and rebounds, but believes defense is key to a winning season for the Tigers.
"We have a lot of guys on the court that can create for others," Gabriel said, "guys that can make shots and step up on defense."
In a press conference after his record-setting performance, Gabriel emphasized consistency and hustle as keys to his success.
"I just have to keep playing hard every time I'm on the court," he said. "Coach reminds me all the time to keep playing hard, and I'm just glad that I can have my name in the record books."
Coach Tony Barbee commenetd on Gabriel's achievement after the game, surprised at Auburn's first triple-double in light of the University's past NBA stars.
"The Chuck Persons, the Charles Barkleys, the Wesley Persons, the Mike Mitchells, you can go down the line and this is the first triple-double in Auburn history? It's special," Barbee said.
Although Gabriel broke new ground last Monday night, his attitude remains the same.
"We just have to know that we have to play as hard as we can for the rest of the season," Gabriel said.
Gabriel and the Tigers are in action against the Ole Miss Rebels this Saturday in Auburn Arena. Tip-off is at 12:30.
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