Number one

Marianna (Fla.) Chipola Junior College power forward Cinmeon Bowers took an official visit to Auburn this weekend.

Bowers, 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, is a former Florida State signee. Bowers was released from his National Letter of Intent earlier this year. Bowers' trip to Auburn was the first since his release.

"Auburn is number one," Bowers told AuburnSports.com. "I liked the campus and everything I hear about Bruce Pearl is really positive. I like it.

"It was nice. The coaches showed me a good time. I met the football coach, he made me feel at home. The team was real cool, they're like a family. I really liked that. Coach Pearl can't talk to me, but Coach Jones and him have been tight for 20 years, so whatever Coach Pearl says is what Coach Jones is saying.

"Coach Jones is a good guy. Coach (Chuck) Person is a great guy, I beat him in a shooting contest, but he came back and smacked me. I Googled him and I know he was an all-star and what he did at Auburn. That's big-time. I think I could learn a lot from him."

Without the ability to speak with Coach Pearl, Bowers had a unique opportunity to visit with Auburn Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs. The visit was informative.

"He told me that he's ready to get basketball back to where it was," said Bowers. "I could have a major impact for the team."

Following his release, Bowers has been recruited by Memphis and South Carolina, in addition to Auburn. Bowers, a Milwaukee, Wisc. native, graduates from junior college on May 1. Bowers plans to sign on the first day of the regular signing period on April 16.

Bowers will return home to talk things over with his parents and could have a decision before Wednesday.

"I could decide soon," said Bowers. "Whatever school has my back and treats me like family. My parents are cool with wherever I decide. My AAU coaches in Milwaukee have a relationship with Coach Pearl and Jones, so it might be a good fit."

Bowers averaged 12.4 points and nine rebounds per game this season. Bowers is ranked a three-star prospect by Rivals.com and regarded as one of the top overall junior college prospects nationally.

The Tigers are in need of an impact player at power forward and Bowers could fill that void.

"I looked at the depth chart and they need a four man," said Bowers. "I love the offense, they let the four man go and everybody shares the ball. It would be a great fit."