An Early Look at How Auburn Basketball Could Line Up Next Season (2025–26)
Coming off a season filled with highs and the program’s third Final Four appearance under Bruce Pearl, the Auburn Tigers enter the 2025–26 season with significant roster turnover but equally high expectations. Pearl, entering his 12th season at the helm, has proven time and again that he can rebuild quickly—especially in the modern transfer portal era.
This offseason was no exception. Auburn lost several core contributors to graduation and the NBA Draft but also reloaded aggressively through the portal, adding veteran experience and promising freshmen. With a deeper and more athletic roster, the Tigers look poised to make another strong push in the SEC and possibly another deep NCAA Tournament run.
Let’s take a detailed look at Auburn’s projected lineup, the new faces on campus, key returning players, bench depth, and how the Tigers stack up against their competition.
Backcourt Strength: Speed, Scoring, and Versatility
Point Guard: Tahaad Pettiford (Sophomore)
Pettiford was one of Auburn’s most exciting young players last season. After testing the NBA Draft waters, he chose to return for his sophomore campaign—a decision that may define Auburn’s season. In 2024–25, Pettiford averaged 11.6 points, 3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, showing flashes of elite shot-creating and court vision.
Known for his lightning-quick first step and shifty ball-handling, Pettiford is expected to be the engine of Auburn’s offense. His improved decision-making and willingness to play defense under Pearl’s system have turned him into a leader on and off the floor.
Shooting Guard: Abdul Bashir (Junior)
One of the most anticipated newcomers, Abdul Bashir transferred from Casper College, where he led all JUCO scorers with 27.2 points per game. Bashir has a scorer’s mentality—crafty with the ball, confident from deep, and capable of absorbing contact at the rim.
While adjusting to SEC-level defenses will be a challenge, Bashir’s hunger and explosive scoring ability make him a potential breakout star. His chemistry with Pettiford will be crucial to Auburn’s perimeter success.
Wing and Frontcourt Depth: Experience, Length, and Grit
Small Forward: Miles Kelly (Senior, Georgia Tech Transfer)
Miles Kelly brings ACC experience and a well-rounded game to the wing position. At Georgia Tech, he averaged 14.1 points and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 36% from three-point range. What makes Kelly valuable is his versatility—he can guard multiple positions, space the floor, and score at all three levels.
Pearl has always emphasized wings who can do a bit of everything—think Isaac Okoro or Allen Flanigan in years past—and Kelly fits the mold. Expect him to play major minutes and take on leadership responsibilities.
Power Forward: Ja’Heim Hudson (Senior, SMU Transfer)
Hudson, a bouncy and physical forward from SMU, fills the void left by Johni Broome. At 6’7″ with a strong frame, he averaged 10.8 points and 7.2 rebounds last year. Hudson brings elite rebounding instincts and a high motor, which Pearl loves in his forwards.
His ability to stretch the floor (32% from three) adds an extra wrinkle to Auburn’s offense. Don’t be surprised if Hudson becomes the team’s emotional leader, much like Jaylin Williams was in past seasons.
Center: Keyshawn Hall (Junior, UCF Transfer)
Hall, nicknamed “Fat Joe” during his time at UCF due to his stocky 6’7”, 250-pound frame, is deceptively agile and skilled in the low post. He averaged 13.6 points and 6.3 rebounds, with soft hands and a reliable mid-range jumper.
Though slightly undersized for a center, his bulk and footwork allow him to hold his own against bigger bigs. He’ll anchor the paint for the Tigers while giving them an inside-out threat.
Bench Contributors: Key Reserves and X-Factors
JP Pegues (Senior Guard, Furman Transfer)
A proven scorer and floor general, Pegues started 75 games for Furman, where he became known for his clutch shot-making and steady leadership. He averaged 16.7 points and 4.8 assists last season and brings invaluable experience.
Pegues is expected to be the sixth man, providing instant offense and backup point guard play. His presence allows Pearl to go small or even run three-guard lineups.
Incoming Freshmen
- Karter Knox (5-star wing) – Knox, a McDonald’s All-American, brings high-flying athleticism, shot creation, and a fearless mentality. He could push for a starting role by midseason.
- Elijah Crawford (4-star PG) – A dynamic playmaker, Crawford will learn under Pettiford but is ready to contribute meaningful minutes.
- Jayden Williams (4-star PF) – At 6’9”, Williams is raw but brimming with upside. He’ll be a key rotation big and potential future star.
Returning Players
- Denver Jones (Senior) – A deadly shooter who returns for a fifth year. He struggled with injuries last season but is fully healthy and will provide floor spacing and scoring punch.
- Dylan Cardwell (Grad) – The emotional heartbeat of the team and a rim-protecting specialist. Cardwell’s leadership and shot-blocking will be critical off the bench.
- Tre Donaldson (Junior) – A hard-nosed guard who gives Auburn grit and defense in the backcourt. His role will be important in high-intensity SEC matchups.
Bruce Pearl’s Coaching Philosophy: Reload, Not Rebuild
Bruce Pearl has become synonymous with high-energy basketball. His system prioritizes:
- Fast tempo: Auburn consistently ranks in the top 25 for pace of play.
- Tenacious defense: Pressure defense creates turnovers and easy transition buckets.
- Versatility: Pearl loves players who can guard multiple positions and stretch the floor.
This roster is tailor-made for his style. The Tigers have athleticism at every position, experienced ball-handlers, depth in the frontcourt, and multiple shooters. With Pearl’s guidance, expect Auburn to continue evolving throughout the season, peaking when it matters most—March.
Team Chemistry and Culture
A key storyline will be how quickly the transfers and freshmen blend with returning players. Pearl has built a strong locker-room culture, emphasizing accountability, unselfish play, and buy-in.
Last year’s team thrived on cohesion, and although some leaders are gone, veterans like Pettiford, Cardwell, and Jones are expected to carry the torch.
Watch for early-season games like the Maui Invitational and SEC-Big 12 Challenge to be chemistry tests. These games will be a barometer for how the pieces are fitting.
Potential Lineups and Rotations
Projected Starting Five
- PG: Tahaad Pettiford
- SG: Abdul Bashir
- SF: Miles Kelly
- PF: Ja’Heim Hudson
- C: Keyshawn Hall
Second Unit
- PG: JP Pegues
- SG: Denver Jones
- SF: Karter Knox
- PF: Jayden Williams
- C: Dylan Cardwell
Small-Ball Lineup
- Pettiford, Pegues, Kelly, Knox, Hudson
This lineup maximizes spacing and speed while still being able to switch defensively.
SEC Competition and Outlook
The SEC is once again loaded. Kentucky, Arkansas, Alabama, and Tennessee have all retooled with elite talent. However, Auburn’s mix of experience and high-upside youth may give them one of the deepest rosters in the league.
If chemistry develops as hoped and the Tigers stay healthy, a top-three SEC finish is realistic—with Final Four potential. Auburn’s defense and backcourt depth give them an edge in March, where guard play often decides games.
Key Storylines to Watch
- Will Pettiford make the leap to All-SEC status?
- Can the new transfers gel quickly enough for a fast start?
- How impactful will Karter Knox be as a freshman?
- Can Auburn develop a consistent interior presence without Broome?
- Will injuries derail the depth or can Auburn absorb the wear and tear of SEC play?
Auburn basketball enters 2025–26 with something that’s become familiar under Bruce Pearl: high expectations. With a revamped but talented roster, the Tigers are ready to make another run at both the SEC crown and a return to the Final Four. While challenges remain—particularly building chemistry with so many new faces—this Auburn team has the tools to compete with anyone in the country.
Fans should expect early growing pains but a team that hits its stride by February. If Pearl’s past teams are any indication, Auburn will be a dangerous tournament team—again.
