College Hoops

Jerry Stackhouse impressed by Neville Arena

Jerry Stackhouse impressed by Neville Arena

When another coach from your conference speaks highly of your home arena, it is usually seen as a sign of respect. But when said coach is 18-year NBA veteran, the compliment becomes heavier.

During Wednesday’s SEC Tipoff in Birmingham, Vanderbilt head coach Jerry Stackhouse was asked about last season’s game with Auburn at Neville Arena, a game where Auburn defeated Vanderbilt, 94-80.

In a game that Vanderbilt played exceptionally well, Stackhouse believes that the Auburn faithful made a difference in the game.

“Coming to Auburn was tough. We went into probably one of the best environments in college basketball,” Stackhouse said Wednesday. “I think going into Auburn and just the setting, kind of a smaller venue, and the students, and everybody is right there on you. It’s an unbelievable environment to play in and coach in.”

In addition to the environment of the game, the Commodores had no answer for former Tiger Jabari Smith in the game. Smith scored a career-best 31 points in the win, making seven three-pointers. Stackhouse jokingly said that he was glad to see that Smith is now on an NBA team.

After the game on Feb. 16, however, Stackhouse made an accurate prediction for Smith’s future.

“He’s as good as advertised,” Stackhouse said of Smith. “There’s no doubt he’ll be one of the first two or three picks in the draft this year and he really stepped up and showed why.”

Auburn will begin the season on Nov. 7 at Neville Arena against George Mason. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.

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