Auburn's Electric Guard Pettiford Staying Put for Junior Season
Here's the news Auburn fans have been waiting for: star guard Tahaad Pettiford is coming back. The 6-foot-1 point guard from New Jersey just announced he's staying with the Tigers for his junior season instead of testing the NBA draft waters or hitting the transfer portal, according to ESPN sources.
From Sixth Man Magic to Starting Lineup
Pettiford was one of the most electric freshmen in college basketball last season. As a sixth man in 2024-25, he helped lead Auburn all the way to the Final Four, earning a reputation for showing up huge in the biggest games. He actually entered the NBA draft that summer and even got an invite to the combine as a projected second-round pick, but decided to come back and get another shot with the Tigers.
🎲 Want to Make Tonight's Game More Interesting?
Kalshi lets you trade on real sports outcomes — not just spreads. It's the only federally regulated prediction market in the US, and it's available right here in Washington state.
New users get a FREE $10 just for signing up — no deposit required to claim it.
👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiHis sophomore year came with growing pains. His efficiency dipped, but Pettiford still put up solid numbers: 15.4 points and 3.8 assists per game in a starting role. More importantly, he stayed clutch when it mattered. He dropped 27 points in a win over St. John's at the Players Era Festival, went off for 30 against Arizona in early December, and had 28 in the SEC tournament against Tennessee. The cherry on top? He finished with 24 points and eight assists in Auburn's NIT championship game win over Tulsa.
Coach Pearl Building Around His Core
New Auburn coach Steven Pearl, who took over when his father Bruce stepped away weeks before the season started, is making it clear he's building around Pettiford. Pearl is expected to bring back starting guard Kevin Overton and part-time starting forward Sebastian Williams-Adams alongside Pettiford for next season. That's solid continuity for a program that just won the NIT.
Auburn will have some turnover to manage. Sophomore wing Elyjah Freeman entered the transfer portal, and two starters in Keyshawn Hall and KeShawn Murphy are out of eligibility. But with Pettiford locked in and Pearl steering the ship, the Tigers have their foundation set for a run next season.
🐦 What fans are saying on X
See the latest reactions and highlights from Seattle fans about Detroit Tigers.
View X conversation →This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.