Auburn basketball signs a big one
Hey everyone. Small forward Josh Langford, the state's top prospect, has signed with Auburn this morning during a press conference at Lee High School. It's a big deal.
Langford chose the Tigers over West Virginia, Ole Miss and several other major-conference programs.
He is Auburn's most significant in-state signee since Doc Robinson, a Selma native who inked with the Tigers in November 1995. Robinson's decision sparked a renaissance that led Auburn to the No. 1 ranking four years later.
Can Langford's decision spawn a similar revival? Power forward Luke Cothron, one of the nation's top uncommitted players, soon will choose between Auburn, Alabama and Marquette.
Langford will enroll this summer and begin his eligibility this fall. He was committed to Louisville for nearly a full year, but broke off that relationship five months ago. He said at the time that Louisville coaches weren't calling him often enough and didn't show enough interest.
Photo credit: Louisville Courier-Journal
Questions? Comments? Post directly to the blog below or email me at jgtate@gannett.com.
149 Comments:
Yayyy!
Sorry, I meant basketball signing substance
Hoopstance!
Woot.
Tony Barbee RAWKS.
He has super calves, so I'm told
Finally someone talking about the commitment!
Yipee!
Double double commitment commitment substance substance.
Scorer. That's what he is.
I expect Cothron to pick Auburn as well, giving the program its most legit signing class in ... a good while.
Fans of LSU Freak...
LSU Freak goes Ke$ha on the Big 10
Barbee is the man. I actually wish I had season tickets with the real ability to attend every game.
barbee is going to be a great recruiter, hopefully that will translate into success on the court! I saw in person for the first time on saturday, he is a BIG man
3...2...1...
We have lift-off of AU athletics.
WDE!!
Barbee gets #1 player in Al.
thats where it all starts!!!
I don't think Langford is going to be a superstar. I think he'll be a solid regular ... something like Bryant Smith.
If you're not old enough to remember Smith, he was a guard/forward who averaged 11 points and 6.3 rebounds during Auburn's 1999-2000 Season of Enchantment.
98-99 as well. Bryant was solid role player.
Mobile Area Hotties:
The Auburn assistant coaches will kick off Tiger Prowl Monday, April 26th in Mobile. Following their day of visiting local high schools, they want to have a FREE tailgate party with the Mobile Bay area Auburn Family...
Tiger Prowl Tailgate with Auburn Football Coaches
Monday, April 26th, 2010
Lipscomb Field parking lot (McGill-Toolen's stadium) ? Michael Boulevard ? Mobile, AL
FREE OF CHARGE
WNSP Sports Radio Live Remote: 3-6 PM
Coaches arriving after 5PM (most likely)
Get the word out - this is something YOU can do to support our coaches and their innovative promotion of our university. (More surprises waiting for you Monday - just get there!!!)
I'll take five Bryant Smith's any day of the week.
It's kind of weird to feel hopeful about Auburn Basketball's future. I could get use to it.
I have always been a big fan of AU basketball and followed bball recruiting closely.
Your mom goes to college.
Me, too, Michael. I scoff at Bandwagoners and Sidewalk fans.
You don't have to attend Auburn to love it. If you did, all the better, if you didn't, then you just missed out.
Great news from JGT! What a wonderful day! Auburn Beats Alabama--- AGAIN!!!
2.0 just landed in Raleigh! MrsTHT and LGGB are on their way to pick her up. I can't wait to get home!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I believe in Auburn basketball and love it.
Okay, maybe only started believing in it recently again. But I've always followed it closely. No bandwagon fan here.
We prefer 'bandwagoneers'
I'm ALL-AUBURN ALL THE TIME.
And a little Penguin now and then.
Michael- yesterday's entropy and nozzle discussions were edifying. Perhaps in today's puppet hour, which I'll miss while driving home, you can elaborate on the packing properties of flowing solids.
Great to hear about 2.0, THT!
Petino was too busy showing love to that woman in the booth at Applebee's. Should have called your boy. Now he's Barbee's.
Suck it, Rick!
WDE!
i love me some Doc Robinson.
this is fantastic! WDE AU BB!
I've had a better day than anyone here (except maybe THT, who is getting his 2.0 back, but pretty darn close). Don't ask me about it.
PF - How's your day been?
G, I read where Cothron is no longer interested in the walmartian program.
Norm, Have you ever been choked by an ascot?
So how long before the folks in West Vance start screaming for an NCAA investigation?
PF ...
No, but Norm got his ascot in a paper shredder one time.
Well, Barbee is a Calipari product. There's a chance the NCAA does need to investigate. I don't care as long as we get to have a ceremony to hang a really cool banner in the new arena, even if we have to take it down in a couple of years.
I had some freaking telemarketers calling me at 10:00 this morning repeatedly, then when I would answer it would just be tones. I was ready to strangle someone.
10:00 is my version of 1 in the morning
PF / Jet - in addition to the ascot-paper shredder incident, I've also been kicked in the head by a steel boot.
CHB-I know the Steelers have shopped him to 7 diferent teams as of this AM trying ot get a draft choice ofr him. No takers yet.
The idea of PIT trading Roethlisberger over this stuff is a joke. I can't believe they even suspended him.
They can't get full value right now because of this hubbub ... and it's not like he's a cancer.
He's a guy who is making serially poor decisions about how he interacts with women. If he's the monster some believe, then the state's case against him should be a slam dunk.
It's not like the guy is getting kicked out of the league, though. So it doesn't really bother me. He'll be fine in the end.
Thanks for the Tiger Prowl schedule Eddie...I will round up as many of my Mobile Auburn peeps as I can to attend this event. You in AUN?
Lectron Williams!
You know that is probably getting old.
Lectron as a HS sophomore was the best HS running back I ever saw.
Cecil Collins as a sophomore was the best RB ID ever seen in person.
Kris- no, but just wanted to pass along the info to helptje coaches out.
I'm glad they suspended Big Ben. Should enable the Titans to make short work of the Steelers in week 2.
Today makes 3 straight days with a really good commitment in 3 different sports.
Everyone...."I said its great to be an Auburn Tiger"!!!!!
How many people are doubting Jacobs now? I know we have a ways to go in some spots, but AU athletics are looking towards a might bright future right now. I think we have a chance to surpass all of the great accomplishments of the past as a whole. I don't think it is out of the question to expect the "big 3" sports to all be pressing hard for SEC and maybe even MNC in the near future.
I wonder if it's a coincidence that Lowder is removed from the background as well now?
I can't wait until he fires Ralph Spry and gets a track coach who is committed to winning championships.
Entertaining stuff if you've got nothing better to do...
27b/6
...and when is AU going to leave the SEC? We're never going to compete with Stanford for the All-Sports trophy if we can't have 35 different Varsity sports.
I would love for Auburn to leave the SEC, I just don't know how to make up that lost money.
By the way...how all da playaz is?
chillin.
Rumors of the walmartians signing a PF from Texas which would fill their 13th and final available spot. Which would mean they are out of it for Cothran.
Supposedly Langford also alluded to the idea that he thinks Cothran is coming to AU as well.
Barbee is off and running!
I am neither from Texas, nor signing to play anything for UA-T. Rumour busted.
this playa is exhausted. i've still got 2+ hrs to go. oh, the agony!
ehyou,
Very nice.
been busy, now busting out for 90 minute commute home. Seizure later, Hotties.
JZ said he's been stalking 2.0's FB page and she made it home fine.
Now this is more like it, maybe we can get the hoops program turned around quickly.
All you need in hoops is one or two guys...look at UK. From NIT early exits to the Final Four.
Recruiting does seem to play a more vital role in hoops than game/practice coaching does.
Except with Kentucky it was 3 or 4 guys with an All-SEC PF already coming back.
Plus, it's Kentucky.
They had four freshmen leave for the draft, plus a junior. Five NBA caliber players is more than one or two. In fact, 5 > 1+2.
What E-Bro said, too.
That same squad didn't do as well as our squad in the NIT the previous year and they hadn't been living up to UK standards. I get the Patrick Patterson thing, but we have 1 or 2 guys that can play...if we were to get two really good, impact players, I think we'll be able to compete. Not like UK, I was just making an example.
Blogger sux of late.
Tell Josh Langford that I would be happy to call him a couple of times a week to give him a feel good moment if needed.
I don't know if I'd have said that Steve
Yeah, I think we'll be able to ball a little, but I don't think we'd be early favorites to punch a ticket to the Big Dance.
Maybe you're right, though. I hope so. Either way, it's significant progress for this program to be doing what it's doing right now on the recruiting trail. I love it.
Seanzie,
That same squad didn't have 4 NBA caliber freshmen on it the previous year, so it wasn't anything like the squad that didn't achieve the heights that Auburn did before losing to Baylor. 4 is also greater than 1 or 2.
SteveFC,
sounds kinky.
Beware the McAfee Virus.
Is that a link to the actual virus?
Kris,
the AU peeps here at work are all over Tiger Prowl at the Lipp on Monday!!!!!
I once struck out 7 batters in 1 inning.
Tiger Prowl 2.0 better be over the top.... I want more bells and whistles than the previous version.... we need "iPAD and "iPhone" type hysteria!!!!
ehyou - excellent link. I've already passed it on to several peeps.
If you know of anyone hit by the McAfee Virus, there is help online or I can provide some suggestions.
Apparently the McAfee folks are warm hearted and wanted to take attention off that poor kid at Apple that lost the next generation iPhone, so they screwed up XP systems around the globe. What a thoughtful thing.
If they're reading your post, they don't have it. It makes the screen blue and unreadable.
Pete,
You need to drink the Kool-Aid more often.
Thanks,
The Management
Kool-Aid® is a registered trademark of the Kraft Foods Company.
Manufactured in ... Mexico.
I'm not even allowed in Mexico.
Haha. Mexican Beasley.
Seanzie. I'm bustin' through walls! Oh, Yeah!
Well's,
If I am allowed, I've instituted a personal ban.
In other news, Onion Futures are still not allowed to be traded in the good ole US of A.
Cool, Rivals has Hunter Morris listed as the top First Baseman in the NCAA.
Wells, Matt, or WDCWE.
Were the Baseball players really handing out flyers around campus today promoting this weekend's series? Very cool if they were.
PF... yesterday they were, not sure about today...
PF,
I guess i should walk around on campus then I could answer this for you, I saw them yesterday as well.
The female newscaster on Birmingham's ABC 33/40 just called Auburn the University of Auburn. Arrrrghhhh!
Cincy- Did she commit?
No, she didn't. I tried to fire off an email questioning what else she was reporting incorrectly if she couldn't get the name of a state university correct. But, it didn't go through, probably a good thing :)
draft campfire?
Im there
http://www.ustream.tv/bentate
Ben Tate and the NFL Draft LIVE 4/22
i love it when the draft experts are completely convinced a team is going to take someone and then the team surprises them
a few of us are campfiring...
http://chatroll.com/habotn-campfire
I can't believe Spiller went 9th overall. He may be better than Tate, but he didn't look like a first rounder to me.
AUn- Please tell me Thompson is having a booth at the Lipp on Monday complete with barbeque and adult bevs...
These rubes on tv that are so called experts when it comes to the draft have somehow overlooked Tate's durability...he was a workhorse back at AU and always played hurt or otherwise. Neither Spiller nor Best finished a single season (that I am aware of) without missing at least on game due to injury. My money is on Tate for finishing his career as the most productive rb in this draft.
Cincy, Link the email address for ABC 33/40 and lets all email them. That really makes me made when people do that. I can understand a high school kid, but a professional media member in state should never do that.
Tebow to Denver...this is good.
I haven't been watching the draft. What did the Dolphins do with their 1st round pick? Did they trade down or something?
As much as I hate Florida I am a Tim Tebow fan. How can a guy like that not be a first round pick? Sam Bradford is the "glass Joe" of quarterbacks and likely won't make it past his first sack. Sure Tebow has mechanic issues, but those things can be corrected...the other things he brings to the table can't be taught. Glad Denver had the sack to not listen to all of these "experts"...I have a feeling they won't be dissapointed.
Made a surprise trip to Auburn! Mr. Cincy had to go to Atlanta for meeting, so we came to Auburn to spend the night and I am going to stay the day tomorrow. Hoping to finalize food and plans for Tylerson's graduation celebration. Any excuse to come to Auburn is a good excuse!
I'm no Ben Tate apologist ... but is he really behind Jahvid Best?
JGT,
No... Tate will make some team very happy.... good value pick tomorrow.
The place I thought Tate would fit best at went out and selected Ryan Mathews very early, in SD...
Watch for Houston in the Tate sweepstakes tomrrow...
Why do people make a fuss of Erin Andrews?
Give me Jill Arrington any day over that stick...
Who's going to the baseball game tomorrow?
Miller...to each his own.
Sorry if already posted. Under Free Events - Mario had a mic for the A-day. Funny stuff.
http://all-access.cbssports.com/player.html?code=aub&media=178913
There a bird outside singing it's heart out.
's
Two hours later, that hanging "'s" was just killing you, wasn't it? A
And what's with the improper use of "it's"? Should be "its".
Come on, Peter. Get your head out of your a$$.
Miller, I will be at the baseball game
Good morning all.
I don't understand why Tate is considered more valuable? Look at his size, speed and strength. He is also a pretty smart kid and has never been in trouble. He is very durable as well. There must be something they have seen in tapes that isn't good, but I have never heard a negative on him. Well there was the speed thing but he disproved that.
Was responding to both issues. Oh well.
It wouldn't have surprised me if Tebow never started an NFL game....until now. Since they took him in the 1st, they will feel like they have to, qualified or no.
PF -the man who never sleep's.
Bad, bad news last night. Pens lost in triple OT.
History lesson: Pens win a multi-OT game, Pens win series. Pens lose a multi-OT game, Pens lose series.
I don't think Tebow will make it as a QB ... I don't think he has the arm to survive when every throw has to be in the window ... but I think the guy will adapt as an H-back, receiver, Wildcat, whatever ... and I think he'll the be the next Hines Ward ... the guy the other teams hate to play ... a guy who makes plays ... does the little things.
Agreed, give me Jill Arrington. Erin's not bad I suppose, but I miss Jill.
Give me Erin. Erin is our dog. She's a wonderful friend. I like playing with Erin and throwing the fish toy with her.
Give me Jill. Better yet, give me Christina Hendricks.
For you Gumpians, a tad of sad news ... Cap'n Pat Dozier, former proprietor of the Montgomery Marina and the Marina Bar and Grill passed away ... if you never played hooky from work on a spring or fall Friday with a burger and icy cold ... Co-Coler ... as the Alabama River meandered by ... well, you missed a treat.
Yesterday > Today....at least Today exists, though.
He was a pretty cool dude. And received his fair share of my $ over the years.
It's a beautiful day in Auburn! Wish we could stay for the baseball game tonight. Unfortunately, yardwork from B'ham calls. Isn't that an awful reason to miss a baseball game?!! But it is the only weekend we are home for the next month, so must get it done. Mr. Cincy's idea of a condo in B'ham and a condo in Auburn is sounding better and better.
sounds nice Cincy.
how about Timmy Tebow going to the Broncos last nite?! i was surprised. i hope he proves everybody wrong & does well. love me some Tebow.
we should see our boy Ben Tate go tonite. go 44!
cincy - my Hot Wife never complains about yardwork. Never. Well, she has complained a few times that my yardwork disturbs her naps but that's about it. Yardwork, she doesn't do it. It's 100% my responsibility and I'm too cheap to pay someone else to do it for me which has always made me the odd man out in the last 3 neighborhoods where I've lived.
i don't mind yardwork. it's therapeutic. that said, my grass is still half dead & i have weeds everywhere. very frustrating. i dunno what happened. the past 2 years i've had some of the nicest grass in the neighborhood. not so much now. weird.
I don't typically mind it either. Well, except for trimming the hedges and assorted shrubs. I HATE that. It'd suit me fine to pull every blasted one out of my yard or kill those belonging to neighbors which happen to encroach into my space.
Yep, I'm too cheap too Norm. Plus I seem to remember "if I'm gonna pay someone to do yard-work, what do I need you for" being said at some point.
When we lived in Dunwoody, doing your own yardwork was considered tacky.
Scottsdale ...slightly tacky.
Cartersville, Ga.? ...do what you do! It's one reason we live here.
Ms. Hoopie has a landscape contracting company and I still clip and blow the lawn most times. The crew does the other stuff.
DWWD....gotta love the home of Ronnie B!
The way I recall it, I was on the young side when my father started having me run a lawnmower. So, I'm past ready to retire from the responsibility. I don't figure to start F4* helping me with the yard as early as I had to do it, but I sure do look forward to that day when I watch him crank the old Honda mower up.
where my parents live it used take me 3-4 hours on a riding lawn mower to cut our yard. no kidding. my dad eventually got a tractor with a big mower on the back. it was pure agony.
After we got married, wife took the mower out (I use a reel mower) and proceeded to try to cut the grass. I came home from work and it looked like someone had plowed up about three strips of sod getitng ready for planting season. I asked to never cut grass again. After all these years I am thinking she planned that whole thing.
wtc - are you suggesting wives are sneaky, conniving, cunning creatures? No way. That just can't be.
Wait...nevermind.
my wife wouldn't know how to crank the lawn mower....or clean a bathroom. :) god love her.
Scottie, Several of RB's relatives have worked for Ms. Hoopie over the years.
Here I was trying to forget that my weeds are almost a knee high and you guys and gals remind me I got to get out there and start cutting. Grass is begining to turn green but the weeds are way ahead.
Sure hope Tate goes today and not tomorrow. He will be a jewel for somone.
My dad starting me cutting grass when I was young. I hated it. Small miracle that I still have all my fingers. Now, I enjoy it so much I don't think I'll let me son do it unless he asks. Not likely either.
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