The 6’1″ scorer, who just finished his freshman season with 11.6 points and 3.0 assists, has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining his collegiate eligibility.
NBA draft expert Jonathan Givony observed Pettiford and other prospects honing their skills in Santa Barbara. The Auburn guard made a powerful statement regarding Pettiford’s future after spending some time with him.
“Hopefully, just try to get me a guaranteed contract and move up on the boards.” And, you know, if that doesn’t work out, just go back to Auburn and … attempt to run it back again,” Pettiford said.
“I hope you just try to get me a guaranteed contract and try to move up on the boards. If that doesn’t work out, you just go back to Auburn and … try to run it back again,” Pettiford stated.
Pettiford was a five-star high school recruit who excelled at Hudson Catholic in New Jersey. As a senior, he averaged over 19 points per game, earning him McDonald’s All-America recognition.
He was a reliable performer at Auburn, shooting 42.1% in 22.9 minutes per game and 36.6% from beyond the arc.
With a 32–6 (15–3 SEC) record, the conference regular season title, and a No. 4 final AP rating, the Tigers had a fantastic 2024–25 season.
Under head coach Bruce Pearl, their balanced squad helped them rank 13th in the country with an average of 83.0 points per game.
Auburn’s ascent to the Final Four in 2025 solidified its position as a major national force.
In the future, if an NBA contract doesn’t work out, Auburn will rebuild with new players and maybe Pettiford’s return.
“They obviously want me to return… They will support and encourage me,” Pettiford stated, positioning the player and program for either an NBA jump or another collegiate championship run.
