Auburn guard Tahaad Pettiford was arguably the Tigers' most valuable player outside of Johni Broome this season.
Although he started just one game this season, Pettiford's presence as the "sixth man" was valuable, as production stayed constant even when starting guard Denver Jones needed a breather. Now that the season is over, Pettiford has to make a difficult decision. Should he test the NBA draft waters, or remain at Auburn, where he is slated to take over the starting point guard role? On Sunday, Pettiford hinted at which direction he could go.
"I hope to come back next year and run it back again," Pettiford said as he addressed a gathering of Auburn fans at Neville Arena after the team's return from the Final Four in San Antonio, Texas, on Sunday.
Although his decision to return is not etched in stone, it does give Auburn fans hope that one of the team's most beloved and major players will return to give the Tigers a shot at another Final Four trip. Auburn is set to lose several main roster pieces such as Johni Broome, Dylan Cardwell, Denver Jones, and Miles Kelly, so a Pettiford return will be important to the success of next season's squad.
Pettiford averaged 11.6 points and 3.0 assists in 2024-25, all while coming off the bench for Auburn. Pettiford is a fringe second-round selection according to Sporting News, but a first-round evaluation could give Pettiford something to think about. Should Pettiford return to Auburn, expect Bruce Pearl to build a roster that will pave the way for Pettiford to find the most success.
https://t.co/I4Pbxumq4bpic.twitter.com/LM8QLRcJ11
— Christian Clemente (@CClemente247) April 6, 2025
Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__
This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn guard Tahaad Pettiford hints at possible return for 2025-26
