Nashville, Tenn. (EETV) - Tenacious tough defense is the statement women's basketball is ready to make in the SEC.
"Our strength is always going to be our defense," said head coach Terri Williams-Flournoy (Coach Flo).
The Tigers have lost 5 players from last season, making them a younger team for the 2017-2018.
Coach Flo believes the new players give her an added challenge but won't affect their defensive playing style.
"When you put a lot of newcomers out there, it's learning the system," Coach Flo said. "You're getting different people into different positions because you're moving people around, get comfortable in those positions. So it's a learning stage, we're getting better."
In 2016-2017, Auburn was known for their constant full-court press that helped earn them the number eight spot in the SEC.
"A lot of people think its that our press which is just out there running all over the place trapping," said Coach Flo. "It's actually a little method to our madness."
Coach Flo plans to continue their pressing style this season, a strategy that has defined her team
"When people say Auburn University women's basketball they know right away that they're going to get pressed," Coach Flo said about her program. "Which is why a lot of people don't wanna play us."
Coach Flo's players have trust in her defensive system and are confident in where they are now.
"You know Coach Flo does a really good job and just teaching us the defense," said senior forward Jazmine Jones. "We're really excited about the season."
The SEC is a conference poised to make another run at the national title, having two teams in last years final (South Carolina and Mississippi State).
"Everybody's always fussing about, you know, who has the best, which conference is number 1," said Coach Flo. "I think when you have two teams playing for the national championship, it kinda speaks for itself."
The Tigers will have no easy task this season facing both South Carolina (Jan. 11) and Mississippi State (Feb. 22). However, they are confident they can make a run for the SEC title.
"We always have that confidence," Jones said about winning the SEC title. "We just have to go out there and play like it."
Auburn will begin their season Nov. 13 at Virginia Tech and will tip-off their SEC play Dec. 31 against Florida.
