Auburn will be without its leading scorer on Saturday — and perhaps longer.
Kareem Canty has been suspended indefinitely, starting with Auburn’s game Saturday at Georgia for conduct detrimental to the team.
"Kareem has had some strong moments for our team this season," Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said. "He has demonstrated that at the highest level of competition, he can win his matchup. However, his effort and attitude have been extremely inconsistent, which led to actions and behavior that are unacceptable. He will step away from the team for a while and may return later in the season. He is suspended indefinitely."
Canty is leading the team in minutes (34.2), points (18.3) and assists (5.3) per game this season. He has been the team’s leading scorer in 12 of the Tigers’ 21 games.
Taking over the starting point guard spot in Canty's place is Cinmeon Bowers.
The Harlem, New York, native has yet to miss a game this season, and his absence leaves Auburn with only three scholarship guards — Bryce Brown, TJ Lang and New Williams — available for the next two games. Williams has averaged just 5.6 minutes per game this season.
Patrick Keim and Zach Allison, both walk-on point guards, could also see extended run in Canty’s absence. Keim has played in 15 games this season, while Allison has seen time in just four.
Swingman Danjel Purifoy has yet to be cleared by the NCAA because of an ongoing investigation into his high school ACT scores. T.J. Dunans (knee) and Tahj Shamsid-Deen (shoulder) are out for extended periods of time with injuries.
The suspension is the second in as many weeks for Auburn.
Forward Cinmeon Bowers was suspended for last Saturday’s game against Oklahoma State for conduct detrimental to the team.
Auburn travels to Georgia on Saturday looking for its first SEC road win of the season. Tipoff is at 4:30 p.m.
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