One day after hinting at a possible return to Auburn, freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford has made a decision regarding his future on the Plains.
According to a report by Jonathan Givony of Draft Express, Pettiford has declared for the NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility. The star freshman will be evaluated for a first or second round grade. Pettiford will then decide if the NBA draft is right for him, or if he will rescind his intention and return to Auburn for his sophomore season. He has until May 28 to decide.
The Auburn freshman ranked No. 62 in Givony's NBA draft top 100 big board released on March 25, but has seen his stock rise since the Final Four. Pettiford tells Givony that he feels valued at Auburn and wants to find an NBA home that can provide the same atmosphere.
"I'm looking for an NBA team that values my skillset and sees my long-term potential," Pettiford said in an interview with Givony. "The right fit and organization that values me. I'll sit down with my family and representation and decide whether to stay in the draft."
Pettiford has plenty of options to weigh over the next several weeks. However, one of them will not be the transfer portal. Pettiford tells Givony that if he decides to return to college, he will be wearing orange and blue.
"If I return, it will be to Auburn," Pettiford said. "I can't leave this type of situation. I trust (Bruce Pearl) with all my heart, so I will roll with him. Loyalty is important to me."
Pettiford addressed Auburn fans at Neville Arena following the team's return to the Plains, saying, "I hope to come back next year and run it back again." Should Pettiford spurn the NBA this offseason, he is expected to be the starting point guard for the Tigers in 2025-26. He averaged 11.6 points and 3.0 assists for Auburn primarily as the "sixth man" off the bench.
NEWS: Tahaad Pettiford, ESPN's No. 39 prospect, will declare for the 2025 NBA Draft, while maintaining his NCAA eligibility, his agency WME told ESPN. Pettiford starred in the NCAA Tournament, helping Auburn to the Final Four.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 7, 2025
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