Updates on the Auburn Men’s Basketball roster for the 2025-2026 season
Departures
- PF Johni Broome (Eligibility)
- C Dylan Cardwell (Eligibility)
- SF Miles Kelly (Eligibility)
- PF Chris Moore (Eligibility)
- PF Jaheim Hudson (Eligibility)
- PG JP Pegues (Transfer Portal)
- PG Denver Jones (Eligibility)
- PF Chaney Johnson (Those in similar positions to him had their eligibility wavier denied).
- Chad Baker-Mazara (Transfer Portal)
- Jahki Howard (Transfer Portal)
- Tahaad Pettiford (NBA draft)
- AD Scott (Transfer Portal)
The entire rotation from last season is currently not on the roster. Albeit, Pettiford is expected to return. Jahki Howard is a toss up at the moment with Chad’s sudden departure, wouldn’t be shocked at him returning. Cannot say the same for Mazara, don’t expect a return. Broome is receiving late first-mid second round draft buzz and will likely end up on a two way contract for development regardless. Chad Baker-Mazara entering the portal is not a blindside move to this staff, the reasoning behind the move is not confirmed but it appears to be NIL related, just a speculation at this time.
Additions
- CG Kaden Magwood HS
- PF Sebastian William-Adams HS
- SG Simon Walker HS
- PF Keshawn Murphy MSST
- SF Keyshawn Hall UCF
- C Emeka Opurum JUCO
- SF Abdul Bashir JUCO
- SG Kevin Overton TTU
Comparing any roster BP assembles to last year’s will always come up short. However, this class (which is not finished) is strong. This group with Pettiford, will shoot the lights out of the gym. The backcourt is all but set, Pettiford, Bashir, Magwood, and Key Hall. The shot creation of Pett and Magwood is a nightmare to guard, similar archetypes but Magwood prefers getting to the rim more than Pettiford. Hall is a capable slasher as he led the B12 in scoring last season. Overton is an exciting grab because he has two years left to play. Finding his shot paired with his slashing will be key to being effective at Auburn. Bashir has an adjustment to make to play at this level but his shot is fundamentally strong and consistently effective, that will translate fine. The real question is in the front court. Keshawn Hall is looked at as a PF by Bruce and company, leaving a project player in Opurum at the five. A solid shot blocker with weight concerns for the SEC, offensively he is unpolished. Thankfully his work ethic is highly regarded by his peers, Ira Bowman can help him. Currently the rotation will look like this,
- PG Pettiford/Magwood
- SG Overton/Bashir/Walker
- SF Keyshawn Hall/
- PF KeShawn Murphy/SWA
- C Emeka Opurum/
In the next few weeks, a few glaring needs stick out. Return Tahaad Pettiford. A veteran center that can thump down low in this league. Another 3/4 and in a perfect world another 4/5. Lot of big asks but a lot of NIL money was saved from the high school cycle for this situation. Excited to see how the staff approaches this.
You can listen to this conversation and more on the The War Rapport’s YouTube channel.
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