THANK YOU SENIORS: Anfernee McLemore

Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Last but certainly not least, we look back at the Auburn career of Anfernee McLemore!

This week, I want to take this opportunity to thank each of the seniors that contributed greatly to the success of the Auburn Basketball program. I really hoped we would celebrating their run through their 3rd consecutive NCAA Tournament but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be. If you know me, I like countdowns and I thought it would be a great idea to look back at some of these senior’s best games in an Auburn uniform. We conclude our series looking back at the Auburn career of Anfernee McLemore.

Thank you Anfernee for coming to Auburn! Anfernee has always been one of my favorites since his freshman season for the constant effort, intelligence and heart you played with on a nightly basis. After suffering a brutal injury his sophomore during one of the best stretches of his career, he was able to bounce back and play a big role on the last 2 Auburn teams. We appreciate all that you did for the Auburn Basketball program.

Anfernee’s Career Stats

Freshman: 5.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG

Sophomore: 7.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.7 BPG

Junior: 6.7 PPG, 4 RPG

Senior: 6.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG

Anfernee came off the bench his freshman year and it seemed like every time he did, he brought energy to the team. That’s how he became one of my favorites.

There’s a couple games that I won’t forget from his sophomore season. Remember when we all realized that Mac was a 3-point shooter when he hit 4 3s against Gardner-Webb? He had made 2 in his career going into that game.

But my personal favorite was his 13 point, 11 rebound performance against Kentucky. Despite all of the McDonald’s All-American suited up for Kentucky, Anfernee was the best player on the floor.

Might be the 30-35 seconds I remember the most from this season. A lot of this because of Anfernee McLemore. pic.twitter.com/lW8XNeKXNG

— Will McLaughlin (@wlmcl) February 20, 2018

His sophomore season featured 6 games with 5 or more blocks and he leaves Auburn as one of the best shot blockers in program history. His injury against South Carolina really turned Auburn’s fortunes that season.

Anfernee was back for the season opener of the 2018-2019 and admittedly, took some time to get back to where he was prior to the injury. While he had 19 against Saint Peter’s, the game that I’ll remember the most from him was his performance against Georgia. He had 15 points and 9 rebounds and 2 incredible dunks!

MCLEMORE!!!! pic.twitter.com/9X0IAqxEzY

— Jaylin Williams Fan Account (@ShootyHoopsWill) March 20, 2020

McLemore made 4 3s in a big win over Mississippi State to start March and then scored 11 points against Kansas in the Round of 32.

Anfernee became Auburn’s Sixth Man his senior season, splitting time with Austin Wiley at the 5 spot. He scored 14 against Vanderbilt and 13 in his final game against Alabama. His best game this season was at Ole Miss when his 3-pointers helped Auburn overcome a 19 point 2nd half deficit in a Double Overtime win in Oxford.

Anfernee’s career high in points for his career was 19, and he did that 4 times, once in each of his 4 seasons in Auburn. Here are McLemore’s top 5 scoring games in an Auburn uniform:

5. 18 points - 1/24/17 at South Carolina

Anfernee scored 18 points in just 16 minutes in a road loss at South Carolina. He was 6-9 from the field and 6-7 from the charity stripe.

T1. 19 points - 2/14/17 vs Florida

Anfernee was 8-10 from the field and 3-7 from the free throw line in a home loss to the Gators his freshman season. He also had 6 rebounds in this contest.

T1. 19 points - 11/17/17 vs Temple

McLemore had 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 blocks in the team’s 2nd game of the Charleston Classic. He was 7-11 from the field, 1-3 from 3-point range and made all 4 free throws. Anfernee would work his way into the starting lineup a few games later after continuing to put up great numbers, including 12 points and 13 rebounds at Dayton.

T1. 19 points - 11/28/18 vs Saint Peter’s

McLemore was 8-13 from the field, 3-5 from 3-point range and 5 rebounds in a blowout win against the Peacocks.

T1. 19 points - 1/28/20 at Ole Miss

In a game where Auburn seemingly couldn’t buy a bucket, McLemore got hot, particularly from 3-point range and helped Auburn crawl back into the game. While his 3-point shot a bit unorthodox, it was effective and in this game, it gave the Tigers momentum to force OT and eventually win in Double OT a win that quite frankly they had no business winning.

To close, thank you Anfernee for coming to Auburn. As we heard so many times on broadcasts, you could have gone to Harvard or MIT, but you chose to come to Auburn and we’re grateful to have gotten to watch you play the last 4 years. We know that you have a bright future and wish you nothing but the best in your next chapter!

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