Tahaad Pettiford's return to the Plains was the most significant development Bruce Pearl's Auburn Tigers basketball program has seen in quite some time. Amidst an offseason of losing the entire starting five and assistant Chad Prewett, Pettiford's return was calming and necessary.
AL.com's Peter Rauterkus deemed Pettiford's return arguably the biggest win for Pearl and Co. this offseason.
Not only did Rauterkus stress the impact of Pettiford's play on the floor, but also his ability to help Kaden Magwood clone his game after the Tigers' sixth man sparkplug extraordinaire.
"Getting Pettiford back was arguably Auburn’s biggest win of the offseason. He was the Tigers’ most dynamic scorer last season, averaging 11.6 points and three assists per game while only starting once all season," Rauterkus wrote.
"According to Pearl, he’ll have an even bigger role next season, moving into the starting lineup and likely being who the offense runs through.
"Magwood, a true freshman, is an interesting prospect to learn behind Pettiford. He’s cut from a similar cloth as a scoring guard, and Pearl even told reporters that Magwood has 'a lot of Tahaad in him.' If Magwood’s development is at all similar to Pettiford’s last season, Auburn’s backcourt will be in good shape."
Pettiford is so valuable, not only is his presence a major plus, but so is his influence. The six-foot-one guard is the type of lightning-quick, elite shooting guard Pearl has won big with, and without Pettiford, there wouldn't have been a second Final Four run in program history this past March and April.
2025-26 is almost certainly Pettiford's last ride in the NCAA. While Johni Broome just became the Tigers' all-time program legend, Pettiford can usurp that role by leading AU to a much elusive first NCAA Championship in program history.
His return to Auburn means that much.