Flanigan makes leap for Tigers

FAYETTEVILLE — Allen Flanigan, Auburn’s 6-6 sophomore guard from Little Rock Parkview, already has scored more points (110) in eight games this season than he did in 31 games

(100) as a freshman.

Going into the Tigers’ SEC opener against the University of Arkansas tonight in Auburn Arena, Flanigan has started every game and is averaging 13.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 28.5 minutes.

Flanigan played in all 31 games last season, including three starts, and averaged 3.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 13.8 minutes.

“Al, as much as anybody on our team, has taken advantage of the opportunity [for more playing time],” Auburn Coach Bruce Pearl said. “He backed up Isaac Okoro last year, and of course Isaac was the fifth player taken in the NBA Draft.

“[Flanigan] went against him every day [in practice], went against him in the offseason as Isaac trained here in Auburn through the summer and fall. I think that really helped Al.

“Al’s also been asked to play that point guard position, which puts the ball in his hands a little bit more and he likes it. He’s good with the ball.”

Flanigan — whose father, Wes Flanigan, is an Auburn assistant and former head coach at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock — is shooting 51.4% from the field (36 of 70) and 39.0% on three-pointers (16 of 41).

“He’s been patient offensively,” Pearl said. “He can get into the lane, he can score, he can pass, he can make a tough two. He’s unselfish.”

Pearl said no Auburn player worked harder in the offseason than Flanigan.

“Throughout the covid spring, he was in the gym constantly, getting his individual workouts,” Pearl said. “Obviously physically, he’s gotten an SEC body, so his elevated play from a year ago to this year has been a big part of the reason why we’ve been competitive so far.”

Arkansas Coach Eric Musselman said he’s impressed by Flanigan on video.

“I think he’s really improved,” Musselman said. “I thought last year he was a really good piece. I thought he really complemented a lot of their guys because he did a little bit of everything. He defended at a high level for them. He could score it at times. He was a transition scorer as well.

“He’s improved a lot offensively, or maybe he’s just gotten more of an opportunity than he did last year. He’s playing with more freedom. More freedom comes with opportunity, and roles change from year to year.”

Flanigan had a careerhigh 20 points in Auburn’s 90-67 loss to No. 1 Gonzaga earlier this season. He hit 7 of 11 shots, including 4 of 5 three-pointers.

“I love it when you see a player have patience and stick with his program and believe in his coaching staff and believe in his teammates,” Musselman said. “He’s off to a great start without a doubt.”

Pearl was asked about Flanigan having extra incentive against Arkansas.

“I’m sure when you play your home state team there is,” Pearl said. “But just knowing that we’re entering the SEC, everybody I think is going to be elevated.”

Flanigan