Had a chance to go last night...good times.
First off, yes, they have changed up the trophy presentation a bit. It is horrible now. A lot more political and the Alabama chick didn't even sing the fight song. It was such bullshit. And Gus' smarmy ass still makes me throw up in my mouth a bit. The way he introduced the "SEC Western Division Champs" made me roll my eyes when he was sitting there talking in front of the fucking national champions. The whole thing was a big ball of meh.
As far as the game goes, that was great. This was only the second ballgame I have been to in the arena, with the first one being the first year it opened and we sucked. The place was kicking. And loud as shit. Everyone is packed in there big time and there is definitely an advantage for the Tigers when the crowd is loud. You could feel the energy.
Bruce and the team met up in the center of the court after the game was over with Bruce back turned toward the student section. All of a sudden, he turns around and him and the team sprint to the student section going nuts. The students in return went nuts. Then Bruce led the whole arena in several loud BOOOOOOOOOOM! as he pumped his fist. It was pretty awesome I have to say. I love that dude.
Snaggle...as far as your x's and o's on offense are concerned, I think I know what the difference is in the first couple of years and now. Last year it got a little better, but this year we seem to be a well oiled offensive machine. Jared fucking Harper. I can't stress enough how much of a badass that little kid is. When he is on the court running shit, Auburn will be a o.k. I thought he looked good on the TV, but seeing him in person was a whole other level. Everything offensively runs through that kid. When he wasn't on the floor, the offense stalled, especially without Heron out there to at least slash to the goal.
TL:DR...Bruce Pearl is the best hire ever made in any sport and Harper is a complete bad ass.