Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Part 3 of our Thank You to the Seniors leads us to Danjel Purifoy!
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. Next up is Danjel Purifoy.
Thank you Danjel for coming to Auburn! You went through so much throughout your time at Auburn and despite all of the adversity thrown at you, you always remained loyal and stuck with Auburn through thick and thin. We appreciate all that you did for the Auburn Basketball program.
Danjel’s Auburn Career
Freshman: 11.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG
Sophomore: Did Not Play
Junior: 3.7 PPG
Senior: 8.5 PPG, 4.4 RPG
Danjel missed two full seasons while at Auburn, both the 2015-2016 and the 2017-2018 seasons. He also missed the first 9 games of the 2018-2019 season. Danjel had his best year statistically his freshman season. He averaged 14.5 PPG in the non-conference season but got hurt early in SEC play and wasn’t the same the rest of the season. He did have a highlight moment against Alabama though....
Throwback to 2016-17: This was one of the first times I was caught going bananas on TV. I just knew Danjel had made the 3 as soon as he shot it and I acted accordingly. Will never forget @Austin_Chandler immediately sending me a video of my reaction to this play. pic.twitter.com/tr9gdT9vhj
— Jaylin Williams Fan Account (@ShootyHoopsWill) March 18, 2020
After his freshman season, he didn’t play for 21 months before making his return in mid-December 2018 in Birmingham. While Purifoy worked to carve out a role on last year’s team, he made some big shots in March.
First, let’s go back to the SEC Tournament Championship. Tennessee was making a run after Auburn built a 22 point lead and Purifoy hit not one but 2 huge 3s to slow the Volunteers momentum.
“Oh lord, we’ve been waiting on ya big fella.” pic.twitter.com/6MM5DbRSyF
— Jaylin Williams Fan Account (@ShootyHoopsWill) March 18, 2020
But the game I will remember most about Danjel’s time in Auburn came in Kansas City against North Carolina in the Sweet 16. Ian Eagle put it perfectly: he was “instant offense” midway through the 2nd half.
Damnn Danjel pic.twitter.com/1VaQkNNfN1
— Jaylin Williams Fan Account (@ShootyHoopsWill) March 18, 2020
Purifoy: Instant Offense pic.twitter.com/SyPVXXdbWK
— Jaylin Williams Fan Account (@ShootyHoopsWill) March 18, 2020
He scored a season high 12 points, on 4 3-pointers, in just 12 minutes of game action. Purifoy would play the most minutes of his season in the Elite 8 and then the Final 4 after Chuma Okeke’s ACL injury.
In his senior season, Danjel started all but 3 games and had some solid contributions. One of the most significant ones was his 11 point outing against Kentucky back on February 1st. On a day when Auburn won despite going 6-23 from 3-point range, Danjel made 3 of those, including 2 late in the game to put Auburn up for good. One thing about Danjel’s game that drastically improved during his time in Auburn was his defense as he became a much better defender throughout his time in Auburn. Like we have for Samir and J’Von, let’s look back at Danjel’s 5 best scoring games as an Auburn Tiger.
5. 17 points - 12/29/19 vs. Lipscomb
Danjel’s best game of his senior season came against Lipscomb, when he had 17 points and 9 rebounds. He was 5-9 from the field, 3-5 from 3 and made all 4 of his free throws.
4. 19 points - 11/14/16 vs. Georgia State
Danjel was 5-7 from the field, and 8-10 from the free throw line in a win over the Panthers.
3. 22 points - 11/23/16 vs. Purdue
Danjel was 6-11 from the field, 4-9 from 3 and made all 6 free throws in a losing effort against Purdue in the Cancun Challenge.
T1. 27 points - 12/12/16 vs. Boston College
A heartbreaking loss in Madison Square Garden, this was Danjel’s best week as an Tiger putting up consecutive 27 point outings. In this game, Danjel was 8-14 from the field, 4-7 from 3 and made all 7 free throws.
T1. 27 points - 12/15/16 vs. Coastal Carolina
In a game where Auburn tied the then SEC record with 21 made 3-pointers, Danjel was 9-14 from the field, 5-10 from 3, made all 4 free throws and also had 7 rebounds as Auburn put up 117 points on Coastal Carolina.
Thank you again Danjel for all of your contributions to Auburn and we wish you nothing but success in the next chapter of your career!
from College and Magnolia - All Posts https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2020/3/18/21184680/thank-you-seniors-danjel-purifoy
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