Bruce Pearl's two point guards continued to make strides in the second scrimmage of the fall on Wednesday night in Auburn Arena.
True freshman Jared Harper and graduate transfer Ronnie Johnson impressed both their teammates and Pearl throughout the scrimmage.
"They're both really good," Pearl said. "Jared Harper went on that other team, and they got down 7-0 or whatever that was, and Jared knocked down two [three-pointers] late to win it. He's a special player."
The 5-foot-10 Harper, went 4-9 from the three-point line and finished with 18 points, three assists and a steal.
The 165-pound freshman is already shaping up to be a top shooter for the Tigers, but can also score the ball around the rim despite his size.
"They’re great. They’re probably two of the fastest point guards I’ve ever seen," junior TJ Lang said. "Both are really good passers. Both are really good shooters. Jared is probably one of the best off-the-ball-screen shooters I’ve played with."
Johnson scored 14 points on the day and added four rebounds, seven assists and two steals. The 6-foot senior averaged 9.4 points, 2.9 assists and 2.6 rebounds last season at Houston.
"Ronnie as a senior and as a guy with experience can really defend. He's really tough. He wants to win. Ronnie wants to win," Pearl said. "He'll either start, or Jared will start. They're both going to play. They're both quick. I've got quick playmaking, ball-handling guards."
The two newcomers add needed depth to an Auburn roster that lacked a true point guard last season after the departure of Kareem Canty. Harper is a versatile scorer and lethal on ball defender. Johnson's prior experience at the position will be extremely valuable for Pearl throughout the season.
“Ronnie brings a winning experience. He was at Purdue and he was at Houston. He’s been a point guard for a good amount of years," Pearl said. "I feel like we’re going to have two of the best point guards in the league.”
“We've clearly upgraded the position,” Pearl said. “Those guys are both real cerebral. They both understand how to play."
Harper and Johnson were not the only Tigers who turned heads on Wednesday night. Danjel Purifoy had a scrimmage-high 22 points and five steals. Freshman Anfernee McLemore added 14 points and a team high 11 rebounds, and Laron Smith had 11 points, four rebounds and three blocks.
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