“Formally Invited ”: Auburn Reacts as Tahaad Pettiford Heads to NBA Draft Combine After Historic Season
AUBURN, Ala. — The glow of a record-setting season is still fresh on the Plains, but the Auburn Tigers are already watching their stars rise to new heights—and Tahaad Pettiford is leading the way.
After a phenomenal freshman campaign under Bruce Pearl, Pettiford officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility. And now, the rising star has taken another major step toward his professional dreams: an invitation to the prestigious 2025 NBA Draft Combine.
The news dropped on Friday, and Auburn wasted no time celebrating. The official Auburn Basketball social media account posted the message fans were waiting for:
“Formally invited “—a simple, confident nod to the journey Pettiford is embarking on.
It’s a well-earned honor. Pettiford was a major contributor to an Auburn team that shattered expectations, going 32-5 on the season and reaching the Final Four for just the second time in program history. The Tigers were awarded a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, mowing down Alabama State, Creighton, Michigan, and Michigan State before finally falling to eventual national champion Florida in a tightly-contested battle.
Through it all, Pettiford played like a veteran. He averaged 11.6 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game, showcasing elite speed, court vision, and a knack for hitting big shots in big moments.
The 6-foot guard arrived at Auburn as a highly touted five-star prospect—the No. 2 point guard and No. 29 overall player in the 247Sports composite rankings. His transition from high school standout to college difference-maker was immediate, and scouts took notice.
Now, he joins a loaded list of freshmen invited to the NBA Draft Combine, including names like Cooper Flagg, Jase Richardson, Kon Knueppel, Khaman Maluach, and Dylan Harper. Pettiford will have his chance to shine on the national stage again—this time in front of NBA executives and decision-makers.
While Pettiford hasn’t ruled out a return to Auburn, his combine performance could cement his place in the draft. Either way, Bruce Pearl and the Tiger faithful know they were part of something special.
Auburn may have lost a star to the draft process—but make no mistake, they helped build him.
And as one chapter ends, another begins—for both Pettiford and a program that now expects greatness.
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