Auburn basketball just got a major boost for the 2025–26 season — and it comes in the form of a powerful, game-changing decision by incoming transfer Keyshawn Hall.
On Tuesday, it became official: Hall, who transferred to Auburn from UCF earlier this offseason, has withdrawn from the 2025 NBA Draft. His name was absent from the NBA’s final list of early entry candidates, confirming he’ll suit up for the Tigers under head coach Bruce Pearl next season.
This news firmly locks in a key piece of Auburn’s roster puzzle and provides clarity for fans eager to see what this team can become. Hall had initially entered the NBA Draft on March 25 and jumped into the transfer portal just days later. That decision ultimately landed him on the Plains, making him the first portal commitment for Pearl and his staff during this recruiting cycle.
Hall arrives in Auburn after a dominant season in the Big 12, where he led UCF in scoring with 18.8 points per game while also grabbing 7.1 rebounds. At 6-foot-7 and 235 pounds, he brings a unique blend of size, strength, and scoring versatility. Able to play multiple positions, Hall is expected to be a matchup nightmare for opposing teams — exactly what Pearl is counting on.
“He is just a matchup nightmare for the opponent,” Pearl said. “I thought the biggest factor in his decision was his desire to finish out his college career on top and win a championship.”
That championship mindset is something Auburn fans will welcome with open arms. Hall’s return to college basketball — rather than jumping into the pros — suggests a focused mission: to compete at the highest level, lead a deep postseason run, and enhance his NBA stock even further next year.
In a college basketball landscape shaped by constant movement and draft uncertainty, Hall’s decision brings stability and a serious dose of talent to a team with high expectations. Auburn now has a proven scorer and experienced leader who’s hungry to win — and that could make all the difference in what promises to be an exciting season on the hardwood.