Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl would love to see dynamic guard Tahaad Pettiford return for his sophomore season — but only if it’s truly the best move for the young NBA hopeful.
Pettiford has turned heads this week at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, making his future unclear. After averaging 11.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in a freshman season that helped lead Auburn to the Final Four, the question now is whether he returns to college or capitalizes on his rising draft stock.
Speaking to the media Thursday, Pearl said Pettiford’s decision will likely come soon.
“If he’s got a real shot at the first round, he should go,” Pearl said. “He’s been overlooked his entire life because he’s only 6 feet tall. We’ll get solid feedback from the NBA. That first contract can be life-changing financially. He won’t leave Auburn unless it’s a great situation.”
Pettiford made a big impression in Chicago. He measured in with a 6-foot-5½ wingspan, an 8-foot standing reach, and an eye-popping 42-inch vertical — one of the best at the Combine. He also shined in live play, racking up 23 points and 8 assists in a 5-on-5 game.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony included the 6-foot-1, 175-pound guard from Jersey City, N.J., in his list of top performers from the event.
Over the next couple of weeks, Pettiford will determine whether he enters the NBA Draft or returns to Auburn. He has until May 28 to withdraw from the draft process, with the draft itself set for June 25 in Brooklyn.
