Flanigan could have potentially entered the NBA draft process this offseason, but ultimately decided on April 20 that he would return to the Tigers.
“As many of you know, playing in the NBA has always been my lifelong dream, but I also have other goals and dreams like becoming an All-SEC player or an award finalist and leading this team up to something special like an SEC championship or an NCAA tournament, ”Flanigan wrote in part on social media.
“That being said, I won’t be focusing on the 2021 NBA Draft anymore. I’m coming back! The journey continues… let’s be big !!!”
Flanigan not only played well as a shooting goaltender, but he also stepped up his efforts with the Tigers who needed him elsewhere. Flanigan played point guard when Cooper was repeatedly unavailable to assist Auburn as the NCAA determined the first-year point guard’s eligibility status.
“It was just a new experience for me to play [point guard] in a game. I’ve been working on it this summer and in practice throughout the preseason, ”Flanigan said Dec. 15. “Coach Pearl, he will move him in a few games. I like it.”
Flanigan’s strong second season came after a freshman campaign in which he appeared in all 31 Tigers games and averaged 3.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.4 assists and 0, 3 interceptions in 13.7 minutes per game.
