Though it didn't end the way we wanted it to, it was a historic season for the Auburn basketball program. After falling to the Florida Gators in the Final Four, the Auburn family was out in full force to welcome the Tigers back to the Plains after their trip to San Antonio.
Freshman star Tahaad Pettiford told fans he hoped to "run it back" and win the whole thing with Auburn next season, leading everyone to believe he was announcing he would be returning to the team for another season. Soon after, though, Pettiford was on X saying that his return was "not confirmed."
On Monday morning, news broke that Pettiford has officially declared for the NBA Draft, but he will retain collegiate eligibility. It's no surprise that the freshman would want to test the waters and look into his prospects to move to the next level, but there is still a real possibility that he could return for another year in orange and blue.
Over the next month, Pettiford will have the opportunity to work out with NBA personnel, seek an invitation to the NBA Combine, and see what his potential draft stock would look like for this year's draft, set for Wednesday, June 25. The deadline to withdraw from the draft is May 28.
According to Auburn Undercover, the freshman told ESPN that the transfer portal is not something he is considering at all, and if he elects to return to the collegiate level it will be to Auburn basketball.
"If I return, it will be to Auburn," Pettiford said. "I can't leave this type of situation. I trust BP with all my heart, so I will roll with him. Loyalty is important to me."
Pettiford averaged 11.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting at 42.1 percent from the field during his freshman season.