Coach Sunny Smith helmed the Auburn Tigers’ basketball team from 1978 to 1989. At the Tigers’ home game versus Oklahoma Saturday, Smith was honored with the unveiling of a banner that is to hang inside Auburn Arena. Most notably, Smith was in charge in 1984, when he guided Auburn to its first ever NCAA Tournament appearance, with the help of future Hall of Fame player Charles Barkley. Smith was named SEC Coach of the Year the next season. in 1985, Smith led Auburn to its first ever SEC Tournament Championship with the help of tournament MVP Chuck Person. Smith would go on to lead Auburn to three more NCAA Tournament berths, making it as far as the Elite Eight in 1986. His streak of five straight NCAA Tournament appearances still stands as an Auburn record.
