In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, Auburn guard Tahaad Pettiford announced on Wednesday that he is withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft to return for his sophomore season with the Tigers. The 6-foot-1 standout, who was projected as a second-round pick, made the announcement via Instagram, simply stating, “I’m back.”
Pettiford’s decision comes after a month-long evaluation process, during which he participated in NBA workouts and interviews, including a standout performance at the NBA Draft Combine. Despite receiving positive feedback, he was primarily looking to leave only if he received assurances of being a first-round pick. Shy of that, he had a robust NIL package awaiting back at Auburn, believed to be worth more than $2 million.
“I was happy to go through the process, getting feedback from NBA teams,” Pettiford told ESPN. “Going back to Auburn is a better situation for me. I see myself being a higher pick next year. It wasn’t 100 percent this year, … . Being a short guard, it won’t … .”
During his freshman season, Pettiford was Auburn’s third-leading scorer, averaging 11.6 points per … , and led the team with 3.0 assists per … . He also made 70 three-pointers, despite coming off the bench in … 38 games. His contributions were instrumental in Auburn’s impressive 32-6 season, which culminated in a Final Four appearance.
With Pettiford’s return, Auburn secures a rising star who is expected to take on a more prominent role in the upcoming season. As the only returning player from last season’s overall No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, he is poised to be Auburn’s primary playmaker.
Pettiford’s decision not only bolsters Auburn’s roster but also positions him to potentially elevate his draft stock in the 2026 NBA Draft. His return is a significant win for the Tigers and sets the stage for an exciting season ahead.
