AUBURN — Auburn University basketball coach Bruce Pearl said May 20 that the Tigers needed to make one final move.
“I think this is the final piece, another impact guard,” the coach said. “We need one more guy who has a chance to compete.”
Six days later, it was completed.
Auburn announced the enrollment of Myles Kelly on social media on Sunday, a 6-foot-6, 180-pound wing who transferred from Georgia Tech. Kelly, a three-star recruit in the class of 2021, spent the past three seasons with the Yellow Jackets.
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Over the past two seasons, Kelly has averaged 14.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 39% from the field and 35.1% from the 3-point line, as well as 79.3% from the free throw line.
The Tigers operate a system that places a small forward in the back court with a point guard and shooting guard. Kelly isn't a true PG, but he's versatile enough to play all three positions. “Whether it's 1/2, 2/1, 2/3, 3/2, it doesn't really matter to me. It doesn't matter at all,” Pearl added on May 20. “But it will add another guard. We've been very patient in finding the right guy. We've got some really good players.”
Kelly is the third rookie to join the Tigers this offseason, joining Furman's JP Peggs and SMU's Jaheim Hudson, the others being freshmen Tahad Pettiford and Jaki Howard.
Richard Silva is an Auburn University sports reporter for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached by email at rsilva@gannett.com or on Twitter X (formerly Twitter) @rich_silva18.