Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford Poised for Bigger Role After Impressive Freshman Season
The Auburn Tigers enjoyed a standout 2024–25 men’s basketball campaign, earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and advancing to the Final Four. Though their run ended in a 79–73 loss to eventual national champion Florida, Auburn solidified its place among the nation’s elite.
A major bright spot for the Tigers was freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford. The talented newcomer averaged 11.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, showcasing his potential and earning high praise throughout the season. Heading into his sophomore year, Pettiford is expected to take on a larger role both on and off the court.
Assistant coach Steven Pearl recently spoke with 247Sports about Pettiford’s development, noting his emergence as a team leader despite his youth.
“You can just tell he’s embraced a different role,” Pearl said.
Pearl also remarked on the difference Pettiford’s return has made in recent practices. While the team held its own without him early in the offseason, Pearl said Pettiford’s presence has brought renewed energy and intensity.
“Our practices were solid those first three weeks, but this past week felt completely different with him back,” he added.
Pettiford entered Auburn with high expectations, ranked No. 29 nationally and the No. 2 point guard in the 2024 class by 247Sports. With his freshman year behind him, the dynamic guard is now eyeing a breakout season as a key piece in Auburn’s pursuit of another deep tournament run.