Coming off the program's third straight NCAA tournament appearance and second SEC tournament championship under Bruce Pearl, Auburn looks to capitalize off of the return of Johni Broome and its new backcourt against a loaded 2024-25 schedule.
Our sports staff provided their thoughts on a few questions surrounding Auburn's men's basketball team just under a month out from the start of the season.
How will Auburn fair in possibly its toughest non-conference schedule in program history?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "Auburn will probably wins some and lose some — which is not exactly the most exciting answer. I do believe the Tigers are of the caliber of many of their high profile opponents and will be up to the test. Even if they lose more than they win, the value of learning where this team really stands and what it needs to work on early in the season could pay big dividends later on in SEC play."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: "Auburn’s non-conference slate will be a significant test for Bruce Pearl’s squad. Having a veteran-filled roster should help the Tigers start strong in non-conference play, and I expect them to grab a few impressive wins early in the season. Success in these early matchups could set the tone for the season, providing Auburn a chance to build momentum prior to SEC play."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "I think, as Bruce Pearl mentioned in his press conference last week, that it will show what this Auburn team is made of and can definitely expose them. Pearl's 11th Auburn squad is a senior-laden team, with 10 seniors, and that experience should bode well for the Tigers in the early non-conference matchups they'll see. Going to Maui is going to be tough trip, paired with trips to Durham to play Duke and Houston to take on the Cougars gives the Tigers plenty of competition to deal with early on. But it will do nothing but prepare them for the gauntlet that the SEC provides, with the conference being at an all-time high in terms of talent. "
Which newcomer will make the biggest impact for this team?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "JP Pegues, the graduate senior guard transfer out of Furman, would have to be my pick. Coming to Auburn with lots of experience, even in the NCAA tournament, should help solve some of the struggles from a young back court last season.
"It just seems like this could be another one of Bruce Pearl's under-recognized guards that could be a star in the big moments this season."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: "It’s hard to pick just one, but if I had to narrow it down, I would say McDonald's All-American Tahaad Pettiford. He is capable of contributing to the Tigers as a combination guard and could see some time at point guard this season. I’m expecting him to have a solid freshman season while growing into a dynamic contributor for Auburn’s roster."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "Bruce Pearl and his staff brought in an influx of talent through the portal and high school ranks for this upcoming season, so this makes for a tough decision, but I will go with Miles Kelly, the Georgia Tech transfer. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall, Kelly gives the Tigers plenty of length at the two spot, and has enough versatility to play the three spot as well. Pearl mentioned that Kelly was arguably Georgia Tech's best player, and is a lethal threat from beyond-the-arc. Pair him with a guys like Denver Jones and Chad Baker-Mazara, and you've got a scary three-headed monster out on the wing. "
Can Auburn overcome its recent struggles in March?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "If they do, I think a huge reason why is the non-conference schedule revealing things early about this team that they'll be able to work on all season long. This team will certainly be battled tested and know who they are heading into the NCAA Tournament if they get a fourth straight bid to the dance."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: "Despite impressive regular season performances, the Tigers have fallen short in critical postseason moments over the past few years. Auburn needs to find a way to maintain its intensity and composure down the stretch, and the Tigers’ tough non-conference schedule should help them do that. It’s too early to make any serious March predictions, but I think Pearl’s squad is in a solid position to make a run come March."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "Ever since the historic Final Four run in 2019, Bruce Pearl's Tigers' have struggled in the Big Dance. Covid and a self-imposed post-season ban kept the Tigers out of the tournament in 2020 and 2021, respectively. In 2022 and 2023, the Tigers didn't make it pas the second round. Auburn is coming off an SEC Tournament Championship in 2024, but it was followed up with a monumental loss to Yale in the first round.
"As I mentioned above, Pearl has a team oozing with talent led by 10 seniors who have post-season experience , and have been around to see significant success at Auburn in the regular season. Having guys with that type experience, and a deep roster all-around, should help Auburn over get over the hump in March "
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