In the Final Four, Walter Clayton Jr. and the Florida Gators defeated Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers 78-73, ending the Tigers’ season.
After three seasons with the Tigers, Pearl now watches All-American forward Johni Broome finish his collegiate career. However, Tahaad Pettiford, his backup freshman, might also be leaving.
Pettiford, who is still eligible to attend college, has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft after averaging 15.2 points and 3.6 assists in the NCAA Tournament. Pettiford has stated that he would only attend Auburn if he were to return to school.
“I’ll go back to Auburn if I do,” Pettiford declared. “I am unable to escape this kind of circumstance. I will roll with BP since I have complete faith in him. To me, loyalty is crucial.
Pearl claimed that Pettiford was a “first round” pick in a goodbye note given to his freshman star on Monday, just hours after Pettiford’s declaration.
Pearl wrote, “You go show em Tahaad,” on X. “I wouldn’t think twice about selecting you in the first round at this time! You return and we run it back if they don’t.
Pettiford has risen up some NBA draft boards following his success in the NCAA Tournament. Similar to Pearl, Pettiford is completely excluded from some mock drafts while others have him as a first-round selection.
Pearl might start Pettiford in the starting lineup if he made a comeback. Pettiford played in 38 games during his rookie campaign, although he only started one. His average of 22.9 minutes per game would probably rise as well.
