Although Danjel Purifoy is ineligible for the first nine games of the season, he will play in the exhibition game Friday night against Lincoln Memorial.
“He is eligible to play in the exhibition,” said head coach Bruce Pearl, “He has to sit, at this point, the first nine games. So we’ll get a look at Danjel tomorrow night.”
Purifoy sat out the entire 2017-18 season amid the Chuck Person FBI investigation. The last time the forward saw game time was during the Italy Tour in August of 2017, where Auburn went 4-0. He averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds.
During the 2016-17 season, he averaged 11.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 steals. He played in 29 games and started 25 of those.
Even with the amount of time Purifoy has missed, Pearl still expects to see strong play from him Friday.
“You’ll see his ability to shoot the ball,” Pearl said, “You’ll see his offensive patience. His tempo is really good. And you’ll see a little rust because it’s been a year since he’s played. I wish we could have him for the first nine games.”
The next time Purifoy will be eligible to take the court will be against the UAB Blazers on December 15.
Auburn will face off against Lincoln Memorial tomorrow night at 7 p.m. CST at Auburn Arena. The Tigers’ first game of the season, and home opener, will be against South Alabama on Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. CST.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
