Tahaad Pettiford bypassing NBA draft, returning to Auburn

Field Level Media|published: Wed 28th May, 15:47 2025

NCAA Basketball: Final Four National Semifinal-Florida at Auburn

Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) controls the ball against Florida Gatorsguard Denzel Aberdeen (11) during the second half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Auburn guard Tahaad Pettiford announced Wednesday on social media that he is withdrawing from the NBA draft and returning to the Tigers for his sophomore season.

"I'm back," Pettiford said on Instagram.

Pettiford was viewed as a second-round pick in this year's draft. He said he plans to boost his stock during a second college season.

"I was happy to go through the process, getting feedback from NBA teams," the 6-foot-1 Pettiford told ESPN. "Going back to Auburn is a better situation for me. I see myself being a higher pick next year. It wasn't 100 percent this year, so I didn't want to take that chance.

"Being a short guard, it won't be easy to play in the league, but I know I can do it. It's maybe not the right time."

Pettiford ranked third on Auburn in scoring at 11.6 points per game despite coming off the bench in 37 of his 38 appearances. He averaged a team-leading 3.0 assists per game and was second on the squad with 70 3-point baskets.

Auburn went 32-6 last season and reached the Final Four before losing to eventual national champions Florida 79-73.

The deadline for players to withdraw from the draft and maintain college eligibility is Wednesday night at 11:59 p.m. ET.

--Field Level Media