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Bruce Pearl told ESPN’s Pete Thamel Friday evening that “everyone is available” for No. 1 Auburn on Saturday when it hosts No. 7 Alabama.
That includes guard Denver Jones, who missed the Texas A&M game with an ankle injury. Pearl told reporters at a media availability earlier on Friday that Jones would practice and Auburn’s staff would monitor “how he reacts to the load.” According to Thamel, things appear to be trending toward a return.
Jones injured the ankle during Auburn’s win over Kentucky on March 1. He was officially listed as a gametime decision ahead of the Texas A&M game. He warmed up during the pregame but was eventually ruled out.
Auburn and Alabama will each provide availability reports Friday night. A final report will release from the SEC shortly before tipoff on Saturday.
Jones averages the third-most minutes for the Tigers this season (26.9). In 29 appearances, he has averaged 10.7 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.0 rebounds. At 43.1% on the season, he’s Auburn’s best 3-point shooter.
Alabama head coach Nate Oats said Friday that freshman forward Derrion Reid is the only rotation member for the Tide who is expected to miss the game against Auburn.
Tipoff between Auburn and Alabama is set for 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Tigers are a 7.5-point favorite, via DraftKings.
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Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
