Austin Wiley makes a long-awaited comeback in Auburn's win

Before he could play a second, Austin Wiley had two standing ovations. The first when he approached the marker's table, followed by a slightly anti-climactic moment while waiting to enter the match.

The second came when his time finally came on the pitch for the first time since March 8, 2017. A full season, dramatic controversy, a foot injury and many questions later, he was able to play.

"I'm sure Austin will tell you, was just grateful for the response our fans gave him, a standing ovation," said Pearl. "… It can be said that he's a bit rusty, but he'll help us when he gets in a little bit in the flow."

He was quite rusty, finishing with five points, a rebound and three fouls in 13 minutes for the No. 11 Tigers (2-0), who did not need his first leg match in a win without defeat 88-66 on No. 25. Washington (0-2).

He had a dunk, but was also a little sloppy with two turnovers, and looked shy sometimes. Even during his offensive post moves – including several hook attempts – he did not seem to have the natural physical presence with a 6-foot-11, 260-pound frame.

"This is Austin's first game since my second year," said Bryce Brown, a senior. "It was the last time I played with Austin. … it was great to find him, just another great body, an extra body that will continue to help us win. "

Wiley missed all of last season in a corruption scandal involving former Auburn associate coach, Chuck Person, who reportedly gave Wiley's moms and striker Danjel Purifoy $ 18,500. Auburn striker currently ineligible. The Tigers held off Wiley in the first half of last season, before the NCAA declared him officially ineligible for the entire 2017-18 campaign.

Wiley did not approach the media after the match.

But his teammates could talk about him. They exchanged comments on the length of their stay.

"Austin has not played for two years," Brown said.

"Almost 600 days," said Samir Doughty – a bit of a comedian since Doughty was not even on the player list when the match took place at the 2017 SEC tournament.

"Yes, almost 600 days," Brown said, even if it's been a little over 600 days.

Wiley's first contribution was a hook shot to limit a 14-0 run to Auburn early in the first half. That gave them 14-2, an advance that would never even touch a single figure. He received another strong ovation, his third of the night. Wiley, no matter what eligibility problem he mingled with last season, is still loved at the Auburn Arena.

And even if he did not play that way on Friday night, he remains a crucial part of the team.

"Today was his second day of contact in five weeks," said Pearl. "So good to have it back."