Tahaad Pettiford’s Surprising Decision to Withdraw from NBA Draft Sparks Questions Ahead of Auburn’s Final Four Return

It looks like Bruce Pearl has snagged a win with a big one returning to Auburn next season. Tahaad Pettiford, the Tigers’ promising guard, has decided to step back from the NBA Draft and suit up once more for Auburn. I gotta say, it’s a move that’s loaded with savvy — Pettiford’s been through the draft process, talked to teams, and realized that betting on himself for next year might just pay off. He’s not just thinking short-term; he’s looking to boost his draft stock and nail that first-round spot down the line. After shining in the combine and workouts, and with a solid NIL deal waiting, the sophomore’s choice screams confidence and patience. This means the Tigers will lean on Pettiford as a leader while mixing in some fresh talent they’ve grabbed through transfers. It’s a fascinating twist before the draft deadline hits, and one that could change Auburn’s trajectory in the upcoming season. LEARN MORE.

AdvertisementBruce Pearl has a key piece returning next fall after all.

Pettiford shined at the draft combine and worked out with six different teams while testing the waters. The goal, though, was reportedly to ensure that he’d be a first-round pick. Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor had Pettiford going No. 30 overall to the Los Angeles Clippers in his latest mock draft, so that didn’t leave Pettiford any room for error whatsoever.

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The first round of the NBA Draft is set for June 25. The deadline for players to withdraw from the draft and return to college is on Wednesday night.AdvertisementPettiford, who will turn 20 this summer, averaged 11.6 points and three assists in nearly 23 minutes per game last season with the Tigers. He earned a spot on the SEC’s All-Freshman Team, and he helped lead the team to the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament. The Tigers went 32-6 last season and reached the Final Four, though they fell to eventual national champion Florida in the semifinal.