AUBURN — Preseason practice is underway on the Plains for Bruce Pearl’s 11th Auburn squad. The Tigers are coming off of yet another prolific season, having won the SEC Tournament — the second since Pearl arrived.
With today’s NIL and transfer portal rules, roster turnover can be frenetic. It’s difficult for any coach to maintain their roster year after year.
“I know less about this team than many of the teams that I’ve coached, and I’ve only brought in two freshmen and, really, three transfers,” Pearl said.
What he does know is he brings back a wealth of experience. Highlighting that group is All-American big man Johni Broome. Broome opted to return to Auburn for a third stint after testing the draft waters after a stellar 2023-24 season.
“Johni has, you know, he’s in great shape, and he’s practiced with a really good consistency,” Pearl said. “We asked that of him as a leader, to bring it, play it, practice at a better clip, and continue to compete and lead. And I think he’s done that.”
To go along with 10 seniors — eight who return from last year’s squad — Pearl brought in a pair of prolific freshmen in 5-star point guard Tahaad Petiford and 4-star wing Jahki Howard.
Pearl has talked this off-season about Pettiford’s development and how he sees him playing off-ball, despite his size. However, after getting time with the athletic guard, he believes he can play a combination of both the one and two spots.
“Tahaad Pettiford was a guy that was absolutely going to come in, and I was going to play him off the ball,” Pearl said. “And through his own development, he looks like he can also play point and handle the load of learning three positions.”
The portal additions for Pearl include Miles Kelly, Ja’Heim Hudson and JP Pegues. Pegues and Kelly will take over important roles in the backcourt as they replace the void left by Aden Holloway, KD Johnson and Tre Donaldson.
Kelly’s presence, along with Denver Jones and Chad-Baker Mazara, gives the Tigers a lot of versatility on the wing and a strong three-point presence.
“He (Kelly) was arguably Georgia Tech’s best player last year. Played a ton of minutes and grew and developed in that program,” Pearl said. “He’s going to be able to play and affect the game in more ways… He obviously is demonstrating to be a great three-point shooter with great range, and so, you know, so much better we are with those guys out there.”
Pearl will debut his new-look Tigers at Tip Off at Toomers on October 17 with an exhibition match against FAU set for November 1 at 7 p.m. CT.
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