Auburn freshman Tahaad Pettiford announced Wednesday that he has withdrawn from the 2025 NBA draft and will return to the program next season.
Pettiford was named to the SEC All-Freshman team this past season, averaging 11.6 points, three assists and 2.2 rebounds on 36.6% shooting from 3-point range in 38 games. He ranked 11th in the conference in assist percentage (23.0).
The 6-foot-1 guard registered six 20-point performances, including a season-high 24 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals on Jan. 18 in a win over Georgia. He was tied for the third-most 20-point games by a freshman in the conference.
Pettiford competed in the draft combine earlier this month, emerging as one of the top performers following a 23-point, eight-assist scrimmage effort on May 14. He also registered the second-highest max vertical jump among all participants (42 inches).
The 19-year-old was among the notable prospects who were still weighing their decisions ahead of the early entrant withdrawal deadline at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday. He was considered a potential early second-round pick, with his scoring and overall skill set.
Pettiford returns to a team adding top-75 recruits Sebastian Williams-Adams (No. 52) and Kaden Magwood (No. 59). Tigers coach Bruce Pearl also secured commitments from Keyshawn Hall (UCF) and KeShawn Murphy (Mississippi State) via the transfer portal.