“Bucket getter”: Auburn fans hail Denver Jones as 'best two-way guard' after impressive display vs Purdue
While Tahaad Pettiford and Johni Broome continued to lead the Auburn Tigers, senior Denver Jones' made his case for the best two-way guard in the nation. On Saturday, the No. 2 Tigers defeated No. 16 Purdue Boilermakers (87–69) behind Broome's 23 points and 11 rebounds and Pettiford's quick 18 points.
Jones took the toughest matchup on the court and posted 15 points and four assists on 60% shooting. It was the defensive guard's 10th game with double-digit scoring, leading to a season average of 11.3 points and 2.7 assists per game on 45.6% shooting.
On Sunday, Auburn's Instagram handle posted a few snippets of the guard from the game, labeling him "the best two-way guard in the country."
College hoops fans stormed the comment section to back up the program's take.
"I agree with that statement. He is shining this year," a fan wrote.
"Bucket. Getter," another fan wrote.
"Yes, yes he is," another fan wrote.
More fans joined in to praise Jones.
"The 256 is proud of Denver. Bring a natty ring back to HSV," a fan wrote.
"Love watching Denver play ball, he’s definitely a game changer! So glad he’s at AU!" another fan commented.
"He catching & Auburn low key looks destined for a Title run ... not gone jix y'all tho," another fan wrote.
Coach Bruce Pearl commended Denver Jones' defensive ability
Denver Jones was tasked with containing guard Braden Smith, who scored his season-best 24 points against the Maryland Terrapins earlier this month. Jones held the 6-foot junior to one of the worst scoring stretches of his career, 3 of 12 shooting in 37 minutes.
Bruce Pearl had high praise for his guard in the postgame conference.
"Denver Jones is one of the best defensive guards in college basketball," Pearl said. "I don’t know how many times he got scored on. He didn’t get scored on very often."
Auburn's hardwood leader Johni Broome also praised the senior guard. He said that Jones does not shy away from big moments and brings his A-game whenever the eyes are on him.
Jones also restricted Braden Smith to just six assists on Saturday. Smith is currently ranked fourth on the season assist leaderboard behind 8.3 apg.