When Denver Jones and Chaney Johnson arrived at Auburn, they weren’t household names in college basketball. Unlike many of their teammates, they didn’t come in as five-star recruits or highly touted prospects. Instead, they were overlooked out of high school, each taking a unique path to Bruce Pearl’s top-ranked Tigers. Now, they’ve emerged as vital contributors for a team with championship aspirations, proving that hard work and perseverance can be just as valuable as raw talent.
A Journey Defined by Resilience
Neither Jones nor Johnson had a traditional path to Auburn. Jones, a 6-foot-4 guard from New Market, Alabama, started his collegiate career at JUCO powerhouse Garden City Community College before transferring to Florida International, where he made a name for himself. At FIU, he showcased his scoring ability and defensive tenacity, averaging 20 points per game as a sophomore. Despite his success, he was still somewhat under the radar compared to other high-major transfers.
Johnson, on the other hand, came from Division II power Alabama-Huntsville. Standing 6-foot-7, he dominated at that level, earning Gulf South Conference Player of the Year honors. But moving up to the SEC is never easy, and there were questions about how his game would translate against the nation’s best.
Now, in their first season at Auburn, both players have answered those doubts in a big way.
Vital Contributors to Auburn’s Success
Auburn’s rise to No. 1 in the nation hasn’t been fueled by just one or two stars—it has been a complete team effort. And Jones and Johnson have become indispensable pieces in Pearl’s system.
Denver Jones: The Scoring Spark
Jones’ ability to score at all three levels has made him a critical offensive weapon for the Tigers. Whether coming off the bench or stepping into a starting role, he has provided instant offense with his smooth shooting stroke and ability to create his own shot.
His three-point shooting has been especially valuable for an Auburn team that thrives on spacing the floor. But what has surprised some is his defensive impact—something Bruce Pearl has raved about.
“He’s so much more than just a scorer,” Pearl said. “Denver takes pride in his defense. He’s physical, he’s smart, and he understands what we’re trying to do.”
That two-way ability has made him a key rotation player, and as the season has progressed, he’s become one of Auburn’s most reliable guards.
Chaney Johnson: The Versatile Defender
Johnson’s transition from Division II to the SEC has been seamless. His size, athleticism, and defensive versatilityallow him to guard multiple positions, making him an invaluable piece in Auburn’s defensive schemes.
At 6-foot-7, Johnson has the ability to guard bigger forwards in the post while also having the quickness to stay in front of smaller, quicker guards on the perimeter. That type of flexibility has given Bruce Pearl a valuable weapon off the bench.
“Chaney is one of the best teammates we have,” Pearl said. “He plays his role to perfection. He’s selfless, he works hard, and he makes winning plays that don’t always show up in the box score.”
While his scoring numbers might not jump off the page, his energy, defense, and rebounding have played a crucial role in Auburn’s success.
Auburn’s Championship Aspirations
With March Madness on the horizon, Auburn is in a strong position to compete for a national championship. The Tigers have a deep, talented roster, but it’s players like Jones and Johnson—unheralded recruits who took the long road to the top—that give this team a unique edge.
Both players have embraced their roles and have been willing to do whatever it takes to help Auburn win. Their humility, work ethic, and team-first mentality have been praised by coaches and teammates alike.
“They’ve been an absolute joy to coach,” Pearl said. “Two of the best teammates on our team. They come to work every day, they push their teammates, and they just want to win.”
As Auburn continues its quest for a national title, don’t be surprised if Denver Jones and Chaney Johnson have big moments on the biggest stage. They’ve spent their entire careers proving people wrong—and they aren’t stopping now.