AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) - Sophomore Devan Cambridge has a unique opportunity lying before him.
Following the abrupt — and unprecedented — conclusion of his freshman season, the 6’6” guard is now considered a “veteran” on an Auburn team that currently lists no seniors and only three juniors on its roster and whose players bring limited on-floor experience.
For Cambridge, the opportunity to step up into a key role lies at his feet.
Tigers’ Head coach Bruce Pearl noted the potential of the Nashville native to build upon what he considered to be a solid freshman season.
“Devan has been—Devan’s done well,” Pearl said. “Obviously, he’s a very hot shooter, had some big games for us—LSU at home, South Carolina at home, Tennessee.”
Cambridge averaged 4.2 points per game — shooting 43 percent from the field and 34 percent from beyond the arc — across 31 appearances for the Tigers in their 2019-20 campaign; however, Pearl believes that his prior offensive production is only a fraction of his game.
“His shot-making ability with his length is a factor,” Pearl said. “He’s really good in transition, both offensively and defensively, because he can play above the rim. He’s going to make you go in and out sometimes.”
The seventh-year head coach noted that Cambridge elevated his game at the end of his freshman season by developing patience and allowing for plays to open up.
“I think the other thing he’s done fairly well here recently is he’s begun to be somewhat patient in the sense that he’s not forcing the action,” Pearl said.
An improvement in patience would likely prove fruitful for the Tigers on offense, as Cambridge averaged fewer than one assist per game last year.
Pearl also mentioned his belief in Cambridge’s potential to develop his defensive game should the sophomore dedicate himself to improving.
“I think he’s also got a chance to be a really good defender if he stays focused and uses his speed, athleticism and his length," Pearl said.
Cambridge recorded 11 blocks and 12 steals during the Tigers run in 2019.
Time will tell if Cambridge will be able to step into the role that his head coach believes he is capable of filling; however, it appears as though the opportunity lies within the palm of his hand.
Pearl, Cambridge and the rest of the Tigers will tip off their season on Nov. 25 in Orlando, Fla. Gametime and opponents remain TBA.
