Since his days at Florida International, Denver Jones has always had the ability to score the basketball.
Coming to Auburn expanded his game defensively, as he’s become a dependable two-way player for Auburn coach Bruce Pearl and staff.
Jones began SEC play a tear, shutting down some of the league’s best guards in Josh Hubbard, Anthony Robinson II and Jeremiah Fears.
Even with the second half scoring surge from Ole Miss’ Sean Pedulla, who finished with 29 points. Jones scored 16 points in the Tigers 10-point win.
However, in two conference Quad I games this year, Jones scored a combined four points against Tennessee and Florida.
“I think that there was a little level of a fatigue with it. I do. Because he’d been just terrific,” Pearl said following the Florida defeat. “So, I’m not worried about Denver Jones.”
After some film sessions with assistant coach Steven Pearl ahead of Tuesday’s Vanderbilt game, Jones finished as the Tigers leading scorer with 21 points tying his season-high with five made 3-pointers.
Auburn guard Denver Jones (2) celebrates during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Vanderbilt, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)AP
Following the victory over the Commodores, Jones expounded on the time he spent with Steven Pearl to get his shooting touch back.
“[Steven Pearl], we watched film, and he told me he felt like I was looking more to pass than I was to score, even though we started off good against Florida, he said I was just looking like I was looking passive out there,” Jones said. “He said, next game, just come out aggressive. Always be aggressive and always look to score, and the game will come a little bit easier. That’s the mindset I had [Tuesday].”
So, can Denver Jones build off this momentum ahead of the biggest game of the year? He has no choice.
No. 2 Alabama is loaded with a backcourt rotation of Mark Sears, Labaron Philon and former Auburn guard Aden Holloway.
Sears is the leading scorer averaging 17.8 points and 4.9 assists. Philon is a potential NBA lottery pick in this year’s draft and Holloway is coming for retribution knowing his history with the Tigers.
The added motivation from both sides of the rivalry will make for an intense physical battle inside Coleman coliseum.
Jones knows the importance him and freshman Tahaad Pettiford roles will be in Saturday’s showdown.
“That’s the confidence that the coaches instilled in me, just the conversations I’ve had with them,” Jones said. “When we get to the scout, that’s when we’re worried about the next team. That’s just what we’re about to do now. We’re about to get ready for Alabama come Thursday and come out with the win Saturday.”
Auburn is 6-0 in conference road games this year; Alabama sitting No. 2 in this week’s AP Poll makes the stakes higher than any other IBOB game.
The backcourt who produces the most production will ultimately have the edge this weekend. Auburn’s matchup with Alabama will tipoff at 3 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN.
Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3 or email him at JHumphreyIII@al.com.
