Auburn Basketball Gains Tahaad Pettiford
Auburn basketball is set to gain a significant boost for the upcoming season, as guard Tahaad Pettiford has opted to withdraw from the NBA Draft to return to the Tigers. In a conversation with ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Pettiford expressed his satisfaction with his experience during the draft process, stating:
“I was happy to go through the process, getting feedback from NBA teams. Going back to Auburn is a better situation for me. I see myself being a higher pick next year.”
He emphasized the importance of his decision, noting the challenges he could face as a shorter guard in professional basketball. Despite a strong performance at the draft combine and workouts with six NBA teams, he decided that this wasn’t the right year for him to make the leap to the NBA.
Pettiford’s Rising Stock
Pettiford’s profile has experienced a boost, as Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor projected him as the 30th overall pick to the Los Angeles Clippers in a recent mock draft. This positioning, while promising, left little room for error, which weighed on his decision. Instead, he will return to Auburn for his sophomore season, where he is expected to benefit from a significant NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal, although details are currently unclear.
Last Season’s Performance
Last season, Pettiford emerged as a notable talent in college basketball, averaging 11.6 points and three assists over almost 23 minutes per game. His contributions were vital in leading Auburn to a 32-6 record and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, where they reached the Final Four but were ultimately defeated by the eventual champions, Florida. At just 19 years old, Pettiford earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team, showcasing his potential to become a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Auburn’s Competitive Future
Pettiford will be the only key returning player for Auburn, which has been active in the transfer portal, having recently secured players such as Keyshawn Hall from UCF, KeShawn Murphy from Mississippi State, Kevin Overton from Texas Tech, and Filip Jovic from Serbia. This influx of new talent, combined with Pettiford’s return, places Auburn in a competitive position for the upcoming season.
The deadline for players to withdraw from the draft is approaching, with the first round of the NBA Draft scheduled for June 25.
