"He's a monster": Bruce Pearl crowns Chaney Johnson as his "hardest" working Tiger 

Forward Chaney Johnson turned up when needed to steer coach Bruce Pearl and Auburn to their ninth successive victory this season. The No. 1-ranked Auburn Tigers has an impressive 16-1 record, with the only blemish being inflicted by No. 3-seeded Duke on Dec. 4.

Auburn’s remarkable season owes much to the team’s productive offseason, where Pearl blended returning talent, transfers, and a strong recruiting class. Among the returning players, Johnson has emerged as a standout, undergoing a transformation that has caught the attention of his coach and teammates.

Speaking after the win against Mississippi State on Wednesday, Pearl acknowledged Johnson's complete revamp of his physique during the offseason.

“We looked at the film of Chaney Johnson last year. His hair is a little different, but the young man is 25 pounds heavier right now. He is a monster. I’ll say it again, Chaney Johnson is my hardest worker. Nobody on this team would argue it. Whether it’s developing his body, working on his jump shot, or doing all the different things.”

Johnson’s hard work was on display during Auburn’s blowout win against No. 15-ranked Mississippi State on Tuesday. Starting in place of the injured Johni Broome, Johnson delivered a stellar performance, recording 17 points, eight rebounds and four blocks.

NCAA Basketball: Jan 14, 2025; Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Claudell Harris Jr. and Auburn Tigers forward Chaney Johnson - Source: Image via Imagn

Even with Broome’s eventual return, Johnson’s contributions will remain crucial. Auburn faces Georgia next, and Johnson is likely to retain his spot in the starting lineup.

As Auburn marches toward March Madness with hopes of securing its first national championship, the Tigers will rely on players like Johnson to maintain their momentum.

Chaney Johnson shines in Auburn’s Dominant win over Mississippi State

Auburn forward Chaney Johnson delivered an impressive performance, stepping up in the absence of injured Johni Broome. The 6-foot-7 forward made his presence felt, attacking the basket from the opening tip and setting the tone early with a layup.

Johnson was ready to shoulder the responsibility and give Mississippi State’s defense a tough night. By the end of the game, Auburn secured an 88-66 victory, with Johnson’s contributions playing a key role. He finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and four blocks.

Auburn Tigers forward Chaney Johnson and center Dylan Cardwell - Source: Image via Imagn

Tuesday’s game marked Johnson’s third career start at Auburn and his second at Neville Arena. The pregame ovation he received from the crowd was a moment Johnson described as “an amazing feeling.”

Johnson’s efficiency was a highlight of the night, shooting an impressive 7 of 10 from the field and committing just one turnover in his 34 minutes on the court. Johnson’s defensive performance may have been even more significant. With four blocks, Johnson anchored Auburn’s defense, holding Mississippi State’s starting frontcourt to just 3-for-15 shooting.

Johnson’s interior dominance can be attributed, in part, to the physical transformation he underwent during the offseason. Adding strength and muscle has made him one of Auburn’s most physical players, an attribute that proved invaluable against a Mississippi State team known for its offensive rebounding.