Danjel Purifoy is coming into his own for Auburn — again.
Wednesday, the junior forward from Centreville, Alabama, had his best statistical game since returning from a suspension which held him out for the entirety of the 2017-18 season, along with the first nine games of the 2018-2019 season. Purifoy also dealt with injuries his during the 2016-2017 season, leaving him to play in a limited role for the remainder of that season.
In all, it's been nearly two years since Purifoy was in Auburn's regular rotation.
“[The last 22 months have been] a little frustrating,” Purifoy said. “But I really don't let it bother me too much. I'm just doing what I've got to do to help the team get better.”
Purifoy has had a significant increase in playing time since the injury of teammate Austin Wiley, who is currently dealing with a lower right leg injury. Tiger fans got a glimpse of the old Purifoy, who came off the bench and proceeded to go 3-for-5 on field goals, including 2-for-3 on three point attempts. He finished the game with eight points, two steals, two assists and no turnovers.
“A lot of rust,” Purifoy said. “I feel like I'm almost back to myself, but I'm getting there.”
Head coach Bruce Pearl hailed Purifoy for his performance Wednesday night.
“It was great having him out there,” Pearl said. “We called an opportunity for him to get a shot. He created his own shot one time and it was really good to get him out there. He had two assists, no turnovers and a steal. He did a nice job. It was great to have him back. We needed him."
Since the offseason, Pearl had said it would be be difficult for Purifoy to earn a spot in the rotation, especially with the success of the Tigers in the past year-and-a-half. Purifoy credits his workouts for getting himself ready to play in a larger role.
“I knew I had to do what I had to do to get back in shape and game speed,” Purifoy said. “I was just trying to do whatever I needed to do to get back out there. I think I can get better, but I'm just going with it right now.”
Purifoy helped get the Tigers back into the win column, snapping a three-game losing skid on the way. With an uncertain timetable for the return of Austin Wiley it seems as if Purifoy will continue to play in an extended role.
“I'm just happy to be back and just enjoying the wins with my team,” Purifoy said. “Just building these bonds that we're building and we just have to keep winning.”
With in-state rival Alabama coming to town this weekend, Purifoy and the Tigers see this game as a must win.
"We've just got to beat them," Purifoy said. "That's all I've got to say."
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