Like many of his teammates in the past, Pettiford announced his intentions to enter the draft, but without an agent. Forwards Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell both had entered the draft to test the NBA Combine and go through the process before they returned to the Tigers. Pettiford is doing the same.

“NEWS: Auburn has landed a commitment from Serbian big man Filip Jovic, source told @On3sports,” Joe Tipton of On3 Sports said in a post. “The 6-foot-9, 20-year-old forward averaged 12.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per game this season playing professionally for KK Mega Basket.”

With Pettiford returning, Pearl expects to slide him into the starting lineup for his sophomore season. In 2024-25, Pettiford came off the bench in 37 of his 38 games played, averaging 11.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 22.9 minutes per game.

The Auburn University basketball coach has become a vocal advocate for Israel and against antisemitism, speaking at a Capitol Hill event last week

Auburn men's basketball and coach Bruce Pearl have been busy this offseason and have been rewarded with the commitment of Serbian big man Filip Jovic.

On May 27, Auburn received some concerning news for Pearl, as his name is being floated around as a possible candidate for the Senate's seat currently held by Tommy Tuberville. As Tuberville currently has plans to run for governor of Alabama in 2026, he will need his seat to be replaced on the Senate, and Pearl's name has been a hot topic.

Auburn Tigers men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl mourned the loss of two Israeli Embassy staffers who were killed after a Jewish Museum event on Wednesday.

Apart from being a vocal leader of his Auburn Tigers basketball program, Bruce Pearl is also open about his political views. He has spoken against antisemitism and in support of Israel.

The Auburn Tigers might have nailed their successor to Johni Broome during their search in the transfer portal

Auburn basketball learned it'd have a notable returnee for the 2025-26 season Wednesday, as Tahaad Pettiford withdrew from the NBA draft process for another season on the Plains.