Auburn Officially Adds III to 2026-27 Men’s Basketball Roster
The Auburn Tigers have strengthened their backcourt for the 2026-27 season with the official signing of George Kimble III, a proven scoring guard who most recently spent time with Vanderbilt University. Auburn announced the addition of the veteran combo guard this week as head coach Steven Pearl continues building what is shaping up to be one of the program’s deepest rosters in recent years.
Kimble joins Auburn after an injury-shortened path that temporarily paused his momentum. He did not play during the 2025-26 season while recovering from a knee injury suffered late in the 2024-25 campaign during his time at Eastern Kentucky University. Before going down, Kimble was enjoying a standout season for EKU, averaging 18.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game across 25 appearances.
Despite the setback, Auburn’s coaching staff remained impressed with Kimble’s toughness, potential, and determination throughout his recovery process.
“We are excited to welcome George and his family to the Auburn Family,” Pearl said in the program’s official release. “This program has always been built by players who have something to prove and compete with a chip on their shoulder, and George fits that mentality perfectly.”
Originally from Tampa, Florida, Kimble comes from an athletic family and is the cousin of Olympic gold medalist Justin Gatlin. Before reaching Division I basketball, he first made a name for himself at Eckerd College, where he starred at the Division II level. In his freshman season there, Kimble averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game, earning Sunshine State Conference Freshman of the Year honors.
After his breakout at Eckerd, Kimble transferred to Eastern Kentucky, where he quickly proved he could produce at a higher level of competition. His scoring ability and defensive instincts turned heads before his injury cut short what was shaping up to be an excellent season.
Pearl praised Kimble’s commitment during the past year, noting that the guard used his time at Vanderbilt to improve physically and mentally while preparing for his next opportunity.
“After beginning his career in Division II, George transferred to Eastern Kentucky, where his season was unfortunately cut short because of injury,” Pearl said. “During the past year at Vanderbilt, he focused on preparing for this next chapter by working in the weight room and continuing to develop his understanding of the game.”
One of the most attractive qualities Kimble brings to Auburn is his defensive disruption. Two seasons ago, he ranked sixth nationally in steals, an impressive feat considering he played only 25 games. Auburn believes his aggressive on-ball defense and fearless mentality fit perfectly with the Tigers’ defensive identity.
“George brings toughness, fearlessness, and an outstanding work ethic to our backcourt,” Pearl added. “His defensive intensity stood out immediately to us.”
Kimble will join an Auburn backcourt already featuring returning veterans Tahaad Pettiford and Kevin Overton, giving the Tigers another dynamic playmaker and scorer in the rotation. Rather than viewing the crowded guard room as an obstacle, Auburn says Kimble embraces the competition.
Pearl noted that Kimble sees the challenge as motivation, believing strong internal competition will make the entire roster better.
With Kimble now officially in the fold, Auburn’s 2026-27 signing class continues to grow stronger. He joins fellow signees Narcisse Ngoy, Bukky Oboye, Adam Olsen, Owen Freeman, Thomas Dowd, and Caleb Williams as part of a highly anticipated incoming group.
Kimble’s arrival adds experience, scoring punch, and defensive toughness to an Auburn team with championship aspirations entering the 2026-27 season.
Leave a Reply