A crucial member of Auburn men’s basketball’s Final Four success will return for the 2025–2026 campaign.
Star point guard Tahaad Pettiford confirmed his place on the Tigers’ roster for the upcoming season on social media on Wednesday by announcing his withdrawal from the NBA Draft. The decision was made after Pettiford, who was still eligible for college, declared for the draft on April 7.
Pettiford was a consistent contributor for Auburn during the 2024-2025 season, averaging 11.6 points and three assists per game. He came off the bench in 37 of Auburn’s 38 games, putting up those marks without ever starting.
Pettiford was praised for his composure and bravery as a rookie, playing many of his finest games against elite opponents. He scored 20 points against Duke, 18 points against Purdue, 21 points against Kentucky, 21 points against Houston, and 20 points against Michigan in the Sweet 16.
After scoring 23 points and dishing out eight assists in the first scrimmage of the NBA Combine, Pettiford’s draft status appeared to increase. He did this on 8-for-16 shooting and 4-for-8 3-point shooting. These figures followed Pettiford’s 42-inch maximum vertical leap, which was the second-highest among the athletes that competed in this year’s combine.
Bruce Pearl, the head coach at Auburn, maintained his belief that Pettiford would return to Auburn if he and his camp didn’t think he would be selected in the first round. The Detroit Pistons were predicted to choose Pettiford 37th overall, keeping him in the second round, in ESPN’s most recent mock draft.
Bruce Pearl, the head coach at Auburn, maintained his belief that Pettiford would return to Auburn if he and his camp didn’t think he would be selected in the first round. The Detroit Pistons were predicted to choose Pettiford 37th overall, keeping him in the second round, in ESPN’s most recent mock draft.
