‘I loved the opportunity…’: Texas Tech transfer guard Kevin Overton talks Auburn pledge

AUBURN — Texas Tech transfer guard Kevin Overton held a Zoom meeting with Auburn on Wednesday. The plan was for Overton to visit the Tigers early next week.

But then, Overton started thinking. Why wait?

So, he didn’t. He called the Tigers’ coaching staff on Thursday and gave them his commitment.

“I wanted to make the process three or so days anyway, but once I talked to the whole staff, it put everything in perspective,” Overton told Auburn Live.

“I’m thinking, if I don’t go to Auburn, I’m going to feel bad about it. I should probably do what I know I should do and go.”

Overton spoke with head coach Bruce Pearl during that Zoom, in addition to associate head coach Steven Pearl.

“They talked to me about the environment, and really, it’s about who you want to do life with,” Overton said. “That’s the biggest thing. They are very personable people.”

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Overton projects as a combo guard, or “two” or “three” guard for Auburn.

“I’ve known about Auburn,” Overton said. “I’m familiar with the culture. We talked about fit. What I’m coming from, there is way more freedom. With my other options, I didn’t see this much opportunity and space at my position. I just loved the opportunity at Auburn.”

At 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds, Overton just finished his sophomore season at Texas Tech after transferring from Drake.

This past season, Overton played in 36 games last season, starting one, coming off the bench as Texas Tech’s top reserve while playing over 22 minutes per game. He scored nearly eight points and grabbed nearly four rebounds per game. He shot 33.1 percent from three and 78 percent from the free-throw line.

In March, he scored a season-high 20 points against Arizona in the Big 12 Tournament semifinals, and 12 points in a Sweet 16 overtime win over Arkansas in the NCAA Tournament.

During his freshman season at Drake, Overton started 35 of 35 games. He averaged over 11 points and three rebounds per game, shooting 35 percent from three and 80 percent from the free-throw line.

So, why did Overton leave Texas Tech?

Overton said after meeting with the Texas Tech coaches following the season, he wasn’t comfortable with their plan for his development and usage in his third season. As a result, he decided to transfer.

“They asked me to be ‘3-and-D’ and I’m not just ‘3-and-D’. I’ve done that the last two years. I think that was the biggest thing,” Overton said.

“I think I see the game in a different way, and I just haven’t been able to show that. Shooting, I’m not bad at anything. I can give you weaknesses easier and quicker than I give you strengths.

“My main strength is defense. I take pride in guarding the ball. I find it fun. It might not always work out in my favor, but I like that side of the ball. Getting to the rim, too. Finishing ability is one of my strengths.

“I could play the one, two or three. They told me ‘guard,’ and they’ll fit me in wherever.”

Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Overton was a 3-star prospect by On3 Sports and 247 Sports.

Overton plans to arrive on campus at Auburn by the end of May.

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