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Ford Kashmer
Nov 35 min read

Auburn Basketball 2024-25: Key Players, Bold Predictions & Must-Watch Matchups!



Auburn basketball, auburn tigers, halftime, downtown auburn


As the 2024-2025 college basketball season approaches, the Auburn Tigers are gearing up for a dynamic campaign under Head Coach Bruce Pearl. With a roster that combines experienced veterans and fresh talent, Auburn is prepared to make a significant impact in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage. This season brings fresh challenges, thrilling non-conference matchups, and a packed SEC schedule, setting the stage for a memorable season.


Roster Overview: Key Players to Watch


This season’s Auburn roster includes a mix of returning stars and promising new additions (Auburn University Athletics, 2024). Here’s a look at some of the players to watch this season:


  • Johni Broome – Forward (Senior) Broome is a proven asset in Auburn's frontcourt, returning for his senior season after averaging over 10 points per game last year. Known for his scoring and rebounding abilities, he will anchor the team’s interior presence and contribute significantly on both ends of the court.

  • Chad Baker-Mazara – Forward (Senior) Another experienced senior forward, Baker-Mazara also averaged over 10 points per game last season. His offensive consistency and defensive capabilities make him a versatile component in the frontcourt, adding depth and balance to Auburn's lineup.

  • JP Pegues – Guard (Senior) The standout transfer from Furman, Pegues brings an impressive scoring average of 18.4 points per game from last season. As a skilled playmaker, he will be instrumental in leading the backcourt and setting up plays, adding both experience and scoring power to the guard position.

  • Miles Kelly – Guard (Senior) A transfer from Georgia Tech, Kelly was recognized as an All-ACC honorable mention last season. His shooting range and versatility make him a valuable addition, providing Auburn with an experienced and reliable scorer in the perimeter.

  • Tahaad Pettiford – Guard (Freshman) One of Auburn’s highly anticipated newcomers, Pettiford is a four-star recruit with strong potential. Known for his agility and scoring instincts, he’s expected to bring energy off the bench or potentially make an impact in the starting lineup as the season progresses.

  • Jahki Howard – Guard (Freshman) Howard, another four-star recruit, rounds out the roster with his athleticism and defensive skills. As a freshman guard, he’ll add depth to Auburn’s guard rotation and has the potential to develop into a key contributor.


These players, along with the rest of Auburn’s roster, give the Tigers depth and the skill needed to compete through a rigorous SEC schedule.


Schedule Highlights: Key Non-Conference and SEC Matchups


Auburn’s 2024-2025 schedule includes high-profile games that will test the Tigers early and prepare them for SEC play (Auburn University Athletics, 2024).


Non-Conference Games to Watch


  • November 6, 2024, vs. Vermont: Auburn opens its season at home against Vermont, setting the stage for early tests and challenges (CBSSports, 2024).

  • November 9, 2024, vs. Houston: Facing a top-ranked Houston team at the Toyota Center, Auburn will get an early test against elite competition. This game is crucial for Auburn’s national ranking aspirations (Sportskeeda, 2024).

  • November 25-27, 2024 – Maui Invitational: Auburn will participate in this prestigious tournament, facing programs like Iowa State, which will provide valuable experience against quality competition (CBSSports, 2024).

  • December 4, 2024, at Duke: Auburn’s game at Cameron Indoor Stadium against Duke is a highlight of the non-conference schedule. Facing Duke on their home court will be a tough test and will help Auburn prepare for SEC play (Duke Basketball Report, 2024).

  • December 30, 2024, vs. Richmond: This home matchup is an opportunity for Auburn to close the non-conference slate with a statement win (Des Moines Register, 2024).


SEC Matchups to Anticipate


SEC play will bring Auburn face-to-face with some of the nation’s toughest competition.


  • January 4, 2025, vs. Missouri: Auburn’s SEC opener will set the tone for conference play, with Missouri posing a strong challenge (Auburn University Athletics, 2024).

  • January 25, 2025, vs. Tennessee: Hosting Tennessee, a perennial SEC contender, will be a critical game. This matchup could impact Auburn’s SEC tournament seeding (Sports Brackets, 2024).

  • February 15, 2025, at Alabama: Auburn’s rivalry game against Alabama on the road is always highly anticipated. This matchup will test Auburn’s grit and could be crucial for SEC standings (CBSSports, 2024).

  • March 8, 2025, vs. Alabama: The regular-season finale at home against Alabama may determine seeding for the SEC tournament and will be a must-watch game for fans (Duke Basketball Report, 2024).


Auburn Basketball Season Predictions: SEC and National Prospects


SEC Success and Predictions


With the current roster, Auburn is positioned to compete for a top-four finish in the SEC. Broome and Johnson provide essential experience, while newcomers like Jones and Holloway add depth and versatility that could make Auburn one of the most balanced teams in the conference. However, competition in the SEC remains intense, with teams like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama expected to be formidable (Sportskeeda, 2024).


A realistic prediction is for Auburn basketball to finish within the top four in the SEC standings. This would secure a favorable seed in the SEC tournament, giving Auburn a strong chance to make a deep run and contend for the championship (Des Moines Register, 2024).


National Level and NCAA Tournament Prospects


Nationally, Auburn has the potential to be ranked within the top 25 throughout the season, especially if they perform well in non-conference games. Wins against teams like Duke or Purdue would boost Auburn’s resume and national standing, setting them up for a favorable NCAA tournament seed (Duke Basketball Report, 2024).


With a solid showing in the SEC, Auburn is well-positioned to secure an NCAA tournament bid. A projected seed in the range of No. 5 to No. 8 is realistic, depending on their performance in high-profile games. If the team’s chemistry continues to develop and players like Holloway and Jones reach their potential, Auburn could make a deep tournament run (Auburn University Athletics, 2024).


Join the Auburn Community at Halftime Sports Bar


For Auburn fans eager to support the Tigers throughout the season, Halftime Sports Bar in Auburn, Alabama, offers the perfect game-day experience. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, daily specials, and welcoming community, Halftime is the place to catch all of Auburn’s games, whether home or away. Fans can also enjoy Halftime’s ongoing esports tournaments, including Madden and EA Sports College Football. Visit HalftimeAuburn.com for more details on events and game-day specials.


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