Sources: Star guard Tahaad Pettiford returning to Auburn

Auburn star guard Tahaad Pettiford plans to return to the Tigers for his junior season, sources informed ESPN.

There had been hypothesis about Pettiford, a projected second-round NBA draft decide coming into the season, probably coming into the switch portal or testing the draft waters once more.

A 6-foot-1 level guard from New Jersey, Pettiford was some of the electrical gamers within the nation as a freshman in 2024-25. He helped lead Auburn to the Final Four as an elite sixth man, incomes a repute for large performances in high-profile video games.

After coming into the NBA draft and incomes an invitation to the Combine, Pettiford opted to return to Auburn for his sophomore marketing campaign. His effectivity gained, however he improved to 15.4 factors and three.8 assists in a beginning position.

He nonetheless confirmed a propensity for large performances in marquee matchups, scoring 27 factors in a win over St. John’s on the Players Era Festival, 30 in opposition to Arizona in early December and 28 within the SEC match in opposition to Tennessee.

Pettiford helped lead Auburn to the NIT title, ending with 24 factors and eight assists in a championship recreation win over Tulsa.

Steven Pearl, who was promoted to change his father, Bruce, weeks earlier than the season started, is anticipated to convey again Pettiford, beginning guard Kevin Overton and part-time beginning ahead Sebastian Williams-Adams. Sophomore wing Elyjah Freeman was one among 4 gamers to enter the switch portal, whereas two starters (Keyshawn Hall and KeShawn Murphy) are out of eligibility.