Stephen A. Smith Issues Strong Warning to Auburn Before NCAA Tournament
Last season, the Auburn Tigers entered the NCAA tournament as a No. 4 seed, facing off against No. 13-seeded Yale in a matchup they were expected to win handily.
Instead, they suffered a shocking first-round defeat, marking one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
This year, Auburn finds itself as the No. 1 overall seed, with aspirations of turning that position into a national championship. On ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith, joined by Seth Greenberg, issued a stern warning to Auburn ahead of tournament play.
Known for his outlandish takes and entertaining commentary, Smith delivered a sharp and pointed message to the Tigers, one that demands attention.
“Step your (expletive) game up and handle your business, y’all are better than that,” Stephen A. exclaims on First Take.
He’s not wrong. After a disappointing season last year, the Tigers have bounced back to claim the No. 1 overall seed this year, a position that comes with high expectations and immense pressure.
However, losing three of their last four games raises significant concerns about their momentum and ability to perform on the biggest stage. If those struggles continue, their tournament run could be cut short, adding even more fuel to the narrative that this team is vulnerable when the stakes are highest.
Bruce Pearl and his team will be under intense scrutiny throughout the tournament, as many will question whether this squad is more vulnerable and less dominant than it appears.
The Auburn Tigers’ tournament play begins on Thursday, where they will face the winner of the 16-seed play-in game between Alabama State and Saint Francis.
