Auburn Basketball Gets a Boost: The Impact of Tahaad Pettiford’s Return
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl had a reason to celebrate—and he did so with a simple four-letter word on social media after landing Serbian forward Filip Jovic. But the real exclamation point on Auburn’s offseason came just hours later, when Tahaad Pettiford announced he would return for his sophomore season.
On May 28—the NCAA’s deadline for players to withdraw from the NBA Draft and maintain college eligibility—Pettiford officially chose to stay on The Plains. His decision wasn’t just a win for Auburn’s roster; it was the final piece of the puzzle for a backcourt in transition.
Pettiford, who averaged 11.6 points per game as a freshman, is now the only returning scholarship player from last season. His freshman campaign saw him thrive in a sixth-man role, bringing energy and explosiveness off the bench. But with the 2024–25 season ahead, his role is set to expand dramatically.
“If he came back, there would be more on him,” Pearl said of Pettiford. “And I think he’s looking forward to that possibility — that I’m going to ask him to do a little bit more, so he can show out a little bit more.”
That opportunity nearly slipped away. Pettiford participated in the NBA Draft Combine and worked out with the Atlanta Hawks just hours before his decision. He impressed scouts with a 42-inch max vertical leap—the second-highest recorded at the combine—and showed off his athleticism and potential. Standing over six feet tall barefoot, Pettiford was projected as a second-round pick.
Still, the potential to raise his stock was too strong to ignore. Another year in the SEC, with a larger role and more exposure, could vault Pettiford into first-round—or even lottery—territory. For Auburn, that means a seasoned, high-upside guard ready to lead a retooled roster.
His return doesn’t just bring back scoring—it brings experience, leadership, and elite-level athleticism to a team that’s reloading for another NCAA Tournament run.
With Pettiford at the helm and new talent joining the fold, Auburn basketball isn’t just reloaded—it’s reinvigorated.