Auburn coach sees NIT bid as step up

0 Comments | Milwaukee Journal, The, Mar 15, 1995 | by DARRYL O. LEDBETTER

The Journal staff

Auburn, Ala. Getting to the National Invitation Tournament was an achievement not a consolation prize for Auburn University.

The Tigers, playing under first-year coach Cliff Ellis, were picked to finish last in the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference by Chris Wallace's respected Blue Ribbon college basketball yearbook.

"We are excited to be doing something that has not been done at Auburn before, playing in an NIT game at Auburn," Ellis said. "I've been a part of this before and these games are exciting and fun. They can do a lot for your program."

Auburn, which produced Charles Barkley and Chuck and Wesley Person, is making its first post-season appearance since Chris Morris led the Tigers to the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament in 1988. The Auburn program, which operates in the shadow of the football team, fell on hard times under coach Tommy Joe Eagles and was placed on probation.

Ellis landed the Auburn job after Tennessee-Chattanooga's Mack McCarthy withdrew his name and Duke assistant Mike Brey accepted the position only to later back out.

It should not be a total surprise that Ellis has the Tigers in the NIT. He has a reputation for reviving floundering programs. He built South Alabama and Clemson into solid programs after years of mediocrity. Ellis is the all-time winningest coach at both schools.

Ellis will be making his 13th post-season appearance over the last 17 years.

Auburn posted impressive victories this season over defending National Collegiate Athletic Association champion Arkansas, Florida, and two victories over Mississippi State.

The Tigers utilize a three- guard attack and start with Martyn Moochie Norris (a 6-foot-1- inch junior), Lance Weems (6-2 junior) and Ray Donald (6-8 junior) in the backcourt. Chris Davis (6-7 junior) is the forward and Pat Burke (6-10 sophomore) is the center.