After a storybook season that ended with a Final Four appearance, Auburn’s new-look men’s basketball team, led by its lone returning player Tahaad Pettiford, will look to write their own story starting in Birmingham, Ala.
On Tuesday afternoon, it was announced that the Tigers will face Oklahoma State University in an exhibition game on October 15 at 7:00 p.m. CST at Birmingham’s Boutwell Auditorium. The game is part of the “Ballin’ in Boutwell” event.
“Basketball is alive and well in the state,“ said associate head coach Steven Pearl in a release. “The facility is unbelievable. We’re excited to be a part of such a great event. Excited about the matchup with Oklahoma State. They’re in a very similar position to us. They return one person from last year.”
The matchup between the Tigers and Cowboys will mark the first time Auburn’s basketball program wears the Nike Swoosh on the hardwood.
“To be partnered with Nike is something our players are more excited about than anybody,” Pearl said. “They’ve been walking around with a level of swagger with the shoes they’re able to wear. That will be the first time we get to see our new warmups in person. I know our fans are excited about it.”
The multi-day event will feature both men’s and women’s games, showcasing four in-state programs—Auburn (men's), Samford (men’s), Alabama A&M (men’s), Alabama (men’s and women’s)—alongside Florida State (men's and women's), which will be the lone team traveling from outside the Yellowhammer State.
“This might be the best basketball state in the country, collectively, when you look at the strength of the programs we have in this state,” Pearl said.
Tickets are available now at ballininboutwell.com.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Rory is a freshman majoring in journalism sports production. He started with The Plainsman in the spring of 2025.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @RorymGarvin
