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Auburn guard Tahaad Pettiford will return to the Tigers' program

Justin Hokansonby: Justin Hokanson05/28/25_JHokanson
Tahaad Pettiford (Photo by Auburn Athletics)
Tahaad Pettiford (Photo by Auburn Athletics)

AUBURN — Freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford will return for another season with Bruce Pearl and the Tigers’ program, sources confirm to Auburn Live.

Per sources inside Pettiford’s camp, the guard had draft guarantees, but none were exactly what Pettiford and his camp were looking for. “We weren’t taking any chances,” the source told Auburn Live.

In the last week, Pettiford worked out for the Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks.

Pettiford was a 4-star and No. 31 overall player in the 2024 class according to the On3 Sports player rankings. Pettiford was also a McDonald’s All-American coming out of Jersey City, New Jersey.

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Pettiford was an absolute star for Auburn during his true freshman campaign. He played in 38 games, averaging 11.6 points and 3.0 assists per game. He shot over 36 percent from three and over 80 percent from the free-throw line.

In many of Auburn’s biggest games, Pettiford shined.

Against Houston in Houston in the second game of the season, and second college game of his career, Pettiford scored 21 points and made five threes. Pettiford had 14 points in a Maui Invitational win over Iowa State, followed by 10 points against North Carolina in the second game of the tournament.

At Duke, in his first road game, Pettiford poured in 20 points and made four threes. And against Purdue in Birmingham, he had 18 points and five assists.

In SEC play, Pettiford scored in double figures 12 times in 18 regular season games, including six of the first seven. Pettiford scored 24 points in a win at Georgia, knocking down five threes. In Auburn’s league-title-clinching win at Kentucky, he scored 21 points. And at Texas A&M and against Alabama to end the regular season, Pettiford scored 19 points each.

In the NCAA Tournament, Pettiford came alive yet again. He scored 16 points against Alabama State, 20 points against Creighton, 23 points against Michigan in the Sweet 16 and 10 points against Michigan State in the Elite Eight. Pettiford also had 18 assists and 15 rebounds in five tournament games.

Impact of Tahaad Pettiford’s decision

There arguably isn’t a more important addition or retention to Auburn’s roster than keeping Pettiford on campus. He will be the starting point guard. Pettiford played well and exceeded Pearl’s expectations at point guard during Auburn’s historic season. Keeping Pettiford at the point makes sense. Pettiford is an exceptional talent, a leader, and will be the centerpiece of Auburn’s team next season. He will immediately be the vocal and on-the-court captain of the Tigers’ team.

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