BREAKING: Tahaad Pettiford Withdraws From NBA Draft, Will Return to Auburn for 2025 Season

BREAKING: Tahaad Pettiford Withdraws From NBA Draft, Will Return to Auburn for 2025 Season

🔥 Tigers’ Title Hopes Get Major Boost with Star Guard Back in the Fold 🔥

 

AUBURN, Ala. — In a seismic shake-up for college basketball, dynamic guard Tahaad Pettiford has officially announced he is withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft and will return to Auburn University for another season on the Plains.

 

This stunning decision, confirmed Thursday afternoon, sends a surge of momentum through the heart of Auburn Nation and immediately repositions the Tigers as a serious contender for the 2025 National Championship.

 

“After careful prayer, conversations with my family and coaches, and evaluating all of my options, I’ve decided it’s best for me to return to Auburn and run it back with my brothers,” Pettiford said in a social media post. “#WarEagle forever. Let’s get to work.”

 

 

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A Pillar for Auburn’s New Foundation

 

Pettiford, a 6-foot-1 lightning bolt from New Jersey, was one of the most exciting freshmen in the nation during the 2024 season. With elite speed, dynamic shot creation, and a fearless mentality, he averaged 14.7 points, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, helping Auburn reach the Sweet 16 for the second time in three years.

 

Despite declaring for the draft earlier this spring and impressing scouts at the combine with his vertical pop and agility, Pettiford remained undecided about fully committing to the pros. Many believed he was a likely late first- to early second-round selection, but the draw of returning to a hungry Auburn team—and improving his draft stock—proved too strong.

 

His return is not just news; it’s a jolt of adrenaline to Bruce Pearl’s rapidly reloaded roster.

 

 

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“We’re Coming for It All”: Tigers Reloaded and Re-energized

 

Auburn has retooled quickly this offseason, adding a top-10 recruiting class and several key transfers who bring length, athleticism, and experience. With Pettiford now anchoring the backcourt, the Tigers suddenly have a blend of elite youth and veteran toughness that few in the country can match.

 

Joining Pettiford will be five-star big man Jaylen Alexander, known for his rim protection and physicality, as well as sharpshooter Derrick Simpson, who transferred in from Rutgers. The Tigers also return key contributors Johni Broome and Denver Jones, creating a formidable and deep rotation capable of making noise deep into March.

 

“Getting Tahaad back changes everything,” one Auburn assistant told local reporters. “He’s the heartbeat. The fire. The guy everyone feeds off. Now? We’re coming for it all.”

 

 

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What It Means for the SEC and the National Picture

 

The SEC, already expected to be one of the toughest conferences in the country next season, just got even more brutal. With Kentucky reloading, Tennessee returning key pieces, and Alabama staying hot on the recruiting trail, Auburn needed a spark to stay ahead of the arms race.

 

They got that and more.

 

Pettiford’s return vaults Auburn into the Top 10 in most way-too-early preseason rankings, and his leadership could be the edge the Tigers need to chase their first national title in program history.

 

For Bruce Pearl, who’s led Auburn to unprecedented heights in recent years—including a Final Four berth in 2019 and a consistent tournament presence since—this may be his most talented and versatile group yet.

 

 

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NBA Feedback Helped Guide the Decision

 

Sources close to Pettiford said the feedback he received from NBA scouts and executives helped guide his decision. While praised for his explosiveness and playmaking, teams reportedly encouraged him to return and improve his consistency from beyond the arc and show sustained command over a team as a true floor general.

 

“It wasn’t a no. It was a not yet,” a family source told ESPN. “He knows what he’s capable of, and coming back to Auburn gives him the perfect stage to prove it—and chase a championship while doing it.”

 

 

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“Run It Back”: Social Media Reacts

 

News of Pettiford’s return lit up social media in real time.

 

Bruce Pearl, via X: “Let’s run it back. We’ve got unfinished business. War Eagle! 🦅🔥”

 

AuburnMBB, via Instagram: “One more ride with No. 1. #RunItBack”

 

Fans across the country chimed in with messages like:

 

“Auburn just became must-watch TV in 2025.”

 

“Best decision he could have made. He’s going to be a top-10 pick in 2026.”

 

“Championship vibes only. Let’s go Tigers!”

 

 

 

 

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The Road Ahead

 

With summer workouts soon beginning, expectations in Auburn will soar sky-high. The Tigers are now a veteran-led team with elite upside—arguably Bruce Pearl’s most complete roster ever.

 

More importantly, they’ve got their sparkplug back. Tahaad Pettiford isn’t done writing his Auburn story.

 

The rest of the college basketball world has been warned.

 

 

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🏀 Key Takeaways:

 

Tahaad Pettiford is withdrawing from the NBA Draft and returning to Auburn for the 2025 season.

 

Auburn is now a top contender for the 2025 National Championship.

 

Bruce Pearl’s squad will feature a blend of elite returning players, top recruits, and high-level transfers.

 

SEC basketball just got even more intense.

 

 

#RunItBack | #WarEagle | #Colossians317 | #AuburnBasketball | #NBADraft | #CollegeBasketball