Prior to the SEC Tournament, Auburn’s head coach sends a message following losses.

As we head into the final stretch of the season and look ahead to the SEC Tournament, I want to take a moment to address where we are as a team. We’ve faced some tough losses recently, and I know the emotions are running high. After a few games that didn’t go the way we hoped, I think it’s important for me to communicate my thoughts directly to you all. I’ve seen the effort, the commitment, and the heart that each one of you has poured into this season. I’ve seen the intensity in practice, the way you push yourselves and your teammates to be better every day. And even in the face of setbacks, I’ve seen the strength it takes to keep showing up, to keep fighting for one another, and to keep believing in the process. These are things that matter more than the score on the board.

The losses we’ve experienced are tough, no doubt. But they’re not the end of the road; they’re not even close to defining who we are as a team. Our identity has been built over months of hard work, sacrifice, and resilience. The losses don’t erase the progress we’ve made, and they certainly don’t dictate the outcome of what’s still ahead of us.

Acknowledging the Frustration

I know the feeling of frustration that comes with losses, especially the kind we’ve experienced recently. It’s hard to pour everything into a game and not have it turn out the way you envision. It’s even harder when we know we could have done more, when we see areas where we fell short, and when the gap between where we are and where we want to be seems so wide. But it’s important that we recognize these feelings, that we acknowledge the disappointment, and then channel it into something productive. Frustration, when dealt with in the right way, can be the spark for growth. It’s easy to let setbacks define us, but I challenge you all to rise above that. Take this frustration and turn it into fuel for the next opportunity.

I don’t want to hear anyone saying they’re giving up. I don’t want to hear anyone doubting their ability to contribute to this team. We’ve faced challenges before, and we’ve come out the other side stronger every time. This is no different. The road to success is never a straight line. It’s full of twists, turns, bumps, and unexpected detours. But the only way to truly fail is to stop pushing forward. So, let’s keep moving. Let’s keep our heads up, our chins high, and our hearts in the game.

Lessons from Our Losses

When we lose, it’s easy to fall into the trap of simply wanting to forget it and move on. But it’s essential that we use these moments as learning opportunities. There are lessons to be taken from each of these losses, even the ones that seem painful.

We need to look at the film. We need to break down what went wrong, not to dwell on mistakes, but to identify areas where we can improve. It’s not about beating ourselves up over the past, it’s about recognizing our weaknesses so we can turn them into strengths. There is no shame in a loss if we learn from it and come out better on the other side.

Take this time to reflect on what we can do individually to be better. Are you giving everything you have in practice? Are you pushing yourself to be more focused, more disciplined? Are you being a supportive teammate? Are you fully invested in our collective success? These are the questions we need to ask ourselves in the wake of any loss.

We also need to recognize the areas where we’ve shown promise. Even in losses, there are moments of brilliance. Whether it’s a defensive stand, a great possession, or a stretch of offensive plays, there are things we’ve done right. We can build on those positives. We can take those moments and replicate them. The key is to find consistency in those strengths.

The Road Ahead

As we approach the SEC Tournament, there’s no denying that this is a critical time for us. We know that the competition will be fierce, that the stakes will be high, and that every team we face will be giving it their all. But we are Auburn. We have a culture of toughness, grit, and resilience. We’ve earned our place here through hard work, and we belong in the conversation of top teams in the SEC.

The beauty of the tournament is that it’s a fresh start. All the previous losses, the mistakes, the missed opportunities—they’re behind us. What matters now is how we approach the next game, the next challenge. The tournament is a chance for redemption, for proving to ourselves that we have what it takes to rise above any adversity. We’ve faced our toughest opponents already. We know what it feels like to compete at the highest level, and we know that we are capable of doing so much more. The upcoming tournament is not just about winning—it’s about demonstrating who we are and what we’ve been building towards all season.

Trust in the Process

I want to remind you all of something important: Trust the process. Trust in everything that has led us to this point—the practices, the film sessions, the conditioning, the countless hours of preparation. Every step we’ve taken so far has been in service of this moment. We are not starting from scratch. We are not rebuilding. We are continuing to build on the foundation we’ve laid.

I know the pressure feels heavy at times, but I have full faith in each and every one of you. You are capable of greatness. You are capable of bouncing back from this adversity stronger than before. The SEC Tournament is a time for us to show the world what Auburn basketball is all about. It’s a time for us to rise to the occasion, to elevate our play, and to leave everything on the floor.

Focus on the Now

As we prepare for this next chapter, it’s crucial that we focus on the present. We can’t change the outcomes of past games, but we can control our effort, our attitude, and our preparation moving forward. We need to block out distractions and make sure we’re 100% committed to what lies ahead. Let’s not get caught up in the “what-ifs” or the regrets from past losses. The only thing that matters now is how we prepare for the SEC Tournament, and how we show up when the lights are the brightest.

Focus on each practice, each drill, each game as though it’s the most important thing in the world. Because it is. Every step you take from now until the final buzzer of the tournament is part of the bigger picture, part of the story we are writing together.

The Power of Belief

Before we go into battle in the tournament, I want you to remember something: You are not alone. We are a family, and we believe in one another. We believe in the talent and character of each player on this team. We believe in the system we’ve built. We believe in our collective strength. And most importantly, we believe in each other. When you step on the floor, know that your teammates have your back. They’re counting on you to give your best, just as you are counting on them. Together, there is nothing we can’t overcome.

In closing, I want to remind you of the bigger picture. Basketball is a game, yes, but it’s also a journey. The lessons we learn on the court—about perseverance, discipline, teamwork, and resilience—are lessons we carry with us for the rest of our lives. These moments, whether good or bad, will shape us into better athletes, better teammates, and better people.

I want to see us play with heart, passion, and pride. I want us to go out there and show everyone exactly who we are. This is our time. It’s time to rise up.

Let’s go make some noise in the SEC Tournament. I’m proud of each of you, and I know we’ve got something special ahead.