22. Auburn Tigers
With Stephen Pearl replacing his father Bruce, Auburn enters a new era. The defense should remain strong, led by returner Tahaad Pettiford and newcomers Kevin Overton (Texas Tech) and Keyshawn Hall (Central Florida). Hall’s 19 points per game last year give this roster an offensive spark.
Gone is Johni Broome, who will go down as one of the best Auburn Tigers basketball players in school history. He played more than minutes per game, and led the team in scoring with 18.6 points per game. He also was the top rebounder with 10.8 per game. Also gone is Chad Baker-Mazara, a guard who played in all 38 games for the Tigers. He was the second of five scorers averaging double digits per game with 12.
Following a two-game losing streak to end the regular season and a quick exit in the SEC Tournament, which saw them start as the top seed, the Tigers rolled off four straight NCAA Tournament wins. The 70-65 loss to Tennessee in Nashville led to motivation with big dance wins over Alabama State, Creighton, Michigan and Michigan State. The Tigers were competitive in San Antonio, but fell by six to the Florida Gators despite 18 from Baker-Mazara.
- Head Coach: Stephen Pearl (1st season)
- Home Arena: Neville Arena, Auburn, AL
- 2024-25 Record: 32-6
- 2024-25 Conference Record: 15-3
- 2024-25 Advancement: Reached NCAA Tournament Final Four. Lost to Florida 79-73 at Alamodome in San Antonio
- Leading scorer: Johni Broome, 18.6 per game
- Leading rebounder: Johni Broome, 10.8 per game
- First Game: Monday November 3 vs. Bethune-Cookman