One area where Auburn could improve is in their offensive playcalling and the effectiveness of their offensive systems, particularly in late-game situations. Coach Bruce Pearl is known for running a dynamic and fast-paced offense, but at times, it can get a bit disjointed under pressure, especially when facing a team like Florida that is capable of stifling offensive flow.

Auburn’s offense needs to become more structured in critical moments, allowing the team to work for high-quality shots rather than relying on improvisation. During the regular season, Auburn has had issues with turnovers and poor decision-making during crunch time. To mitigate this, Pearl’s offense must incorporate more controlled sets that focus on ball movement, spacing, and timely shot selections.

By adding more precision to their playcalling, Auburn could reduce the number of rushed possessions that tend to happen when they face a highly disciplined defensive team like Florida. The execution of plays should be based on exploiting specific mismatches, whether that’s a quick ball screen for a guard or a post-up situation for their bigs.

e. Maximizing Player Roles

Auburn has a deep roster with multiple scoring threats, but at times, their players fail to take on consistent roles during key moments. To be effective in a Final Four setting, players must embrace their strengths and contribute in ways that complement the team’s overall strategy.

For example, Auburn’s star players—such as their point guard and wing players—need to set the tone in terms of leadership and scoring. However, other contributors, like their big men, must focus on doing the dirty work—setting screens, rebounding, and clearing space for shooters. This allows the offensive system to function at its highest level, with everyone playing a specific role in every possession.

When Auburn’s players understand their roles and stick to them, the overall efficiency of the offense improves. Everyone has a specific task—whether it’s running the pick-and-roll, setting off-the-ball screens, or spacing the floor properly. This synergy is crucial when facing a defensively stout team like Florida, where individual brilliance must be balanced with collective execution.

f. Utilizing Transition Opportunities

Another area where Auburn can improve offensively is in utilizing transition opportunities. While Auburn is known for their speed and athleticism, they have often been slow to capitalize on fast-break opportunities, especially against teams that set up solid half-court defenses.

In a rematch against Florida, Auburn must push the tempo whenever possible. Whether it’s a defensive rebound, an outlet pass, or a steal, Auburn should aim to advance the ball quickly before Florida’s defense can get set. This aggressive transition game will force Florida to defend in ways they might not be as comfortable with. Getting easy baskets in transition can relieve pressure on their half-court offense and lead to high-percentage scoring opportunities.

However, pushing the pace shouldn’t come at the expense of turnovers or poor decision-making. Auburn needs to balance speed with control—ensuring that when the fast break is not available, they transition seamlessly into their half-court offense without forcing shots.

2. Defensive Rebounding and Paint Protection (Continued)

d. Limiting Florida’s Offensive Rebounds

In any rematch with Florida, the ability to limit Florida’s offensive rebounds will be crucial. Florida has been able to capitalize on Auburn’s lack of focus on securing defensive boards in the past, often leading to second-chance opportunities that give them more chances to score.

Auburn’s defensive strategy must include an emphasis on boxing out immediately after the shot goes up. This is particularly important against Florida’s taller players, who can create havoc on the boards. Auburn’s big men, like their center and power forward, must establish position early and fight for every rebound. But this effort must extend to their guards as well. Guards need to be proactive in helping on the boards, especially when Florida’s athletic wings crash the glass hard.

Additionally, Auburn needs to develop a “committee approach” to rebounding. While their bigs should do the heavy lifting, everyone on the floor needs to have a mindset of crashing the boards. Guards should be alert to long rebounds, which are common after missed three-pointers or mid-range shots. If Auburn can control the glass, it would significantly disrupt Florida’s offensive flow and reduce their scoring opportunities.

e. Staying Disciplined in the Paint

While Auburn’s defense has improved over the years, one area of weakness has been their ability to stay disciplined in the paint against powerful post players. Florida has a number of skilled players who can finish inside, so Auburn’s defensive schemes must account for both post defense and paint protection.

Auburn’s big men must be prepared to contest shots without fouling, especially when Florida’s forwards try to draw contact. This can be a delicate balance, as aggressive shot-blocking can often lead to foul trouble, but Auburn’s defense must remain solid and smart in how they contest shots. The focus should be on making Florida earn every bucket in the paint, forcing them into difficult shots rather than allowing easy finishes.

In addition to individual defense, Auburn’s help defense must be better coordinated. When Florida attacks the basket, Auburn’s defenders need to be quick to rotate and offer help to their bigs. Defenders on the ball must pressure Florida’s drivers to avoid easy penetration into the paint, while off-ball defenders must be ready to step in when needed. This collective effort is key to limiting Florida’s interior scoring.

f. Controlling the Post and Protecting the Rim

Auburn has some capable rim protectors, but in a rematch against Florida, they need to establish a stronger presence in the post. Florida is known for feeding their bigs in the paint, so Auburn’s centers and forwards must be ready to challenge these post moves, alter shots, and disrupt Florida’s interior game plan.

Rim protection is about more than just blocking shots—it’s about altering them and deterring drives to the basket. Auburn’s defenders must understand how to position themselves to either block shots or force Florida’s players to take difficult mid-range jumpers rather than getting easy layups. When Florida does try to get inside, Auburn must rotate quickly and protect the basket without falling into foul trouble.

By being more aggressive in the post, Auburn can turn Florida’s post plays into low-percentage attempts. This not only impacts Florida’s offense but also helps Auburn secure valuable defensive rebounds, preventing Florida from creating easy put-backs or second-chance opportunities.

For Auburn to advance in a Final Four rematch against Florida, the key areas of improvement—offensive efficiency, ball movement, defensive rebounding, and paint protection—must be addressed comprehensively. If Auburn can find ways to improve their ball movement, create better shot selection, and execute their plays with precision, they will be able to break down Florida’s defense and score efficiently. On the defensive side, if Auburn can secure defensive rebounds, protect the rim, and limit Florida’s second-chance points, they will have the upper hand in controlling the game tempo and dictating the pace.

In summary, Auburn must play a balanced game where offensive and defensive efforts complement each other. The team’s ability to execute in both transition and half-court situations, as well as stay disciplined defensively, will be essential to beating a well-coached and formidable Florida team. If they can find the right balance, Auburn will be well-positioned to win the rematch and continue their pursuit of a national title.