Sophomore guard Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn’s dynamic sixth man from last season, is officially returning to the Plains, the program announced Wednesday.
In a massive boost for Bruce Pearl’s rebuilding efforts, Pettiford becomes the only returning member of last year’s core rotation.
With a mass exodus this offseason—including NBA departures, graduations, and transfers like Chad Baker-Mazara heading to USC—Pettiford’s decision provides a stabilizing presence for a dramatically reshaped roster.
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The 6-foot guard tested the NBA Draft waters but maintained his college eligibility while participating in the NBA Draft Combine. Ultimately, he chose to return to Auburn, where he’s expected to step into a leading role as the Tigers’ starting point guard—a leap head coach Bruce Pearl has long been preparing him for.
“If he does come back, he’s going to have to play an expanded role,” Pearl said last week via 247Sports. “He’ll be a starter. There will be more on him.”
Pettiford appeared in 38 games last season, averaging 11.6 points, 3 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in just under 23 minutes per game. He came up clutch in the NCAA Tournament, helping propel Auburn to the Final Four with scoring performances of 16, 23, 20, and 10 before the Tigers fell to eventual champion Florida.
Now, with six transfers and three freshmen joining the squad, Pettiford will be the key figure in implementing Pearl’s vision and setting the tone on and off the court. Though still an underclassman, he’ll carry the expectations of a veteran—an opportunity he seems eager to embrace.
As Auburn reloads, it does so with Pettiford at the helm—and the spotlight squarely on his shoulders.
