Auburn Tigers’ Austin Wiley ineligible, Danjel Purifoy appealing

The Auburn Tigers are still dealing with eligibility issues after self-reporting violations following the FBI probe that turned Bruce Pearl’s program up as one of the several guilty parties.

Sophomore big man Austin Wiley was ruled ineligible for the 2017-18 season and that ruling was upheld after Auburn appealed for his reinstatement, according to Auburn’s SEC Country page. The 6-11 sophomore averaged 8.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game for Auburn last season.

As for small forward Danjel Purifoy, Auburn is now appealing for his reinstatement after he was ruled ineligible by the NCAA as well, the SEC Country report says. The redshirt sophomore small forward averaged 12.4 PPG and 5.3 RPG last season for the Tigers.

According to CBS Sports, the two ineligible players may consider going pro, and have entered their name into the NBA Draft process.

“They’re both ready to get evaluated,” Pearl said, according to CBS Sports. “One of the good things you get with this process is there’s time to be evaluated now. Even though it pains us to not have them out there ... if they’re in position to go get drafted, that’s what they should do. If not, then hopefully both will have the option to return.”

Neither player will suit up for the Tigers when Kentucky goes to Auburn Arena, which is good news for the struggling Wildcats.