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In a monumental moment for Auburn basketball, guard Miles Kelly has been named the Sporting News National Player of the Year, capping off a season that will be remembered for years on The Plains. With this prestigious award, Kelly becomes just the second player in Auburn history to claim the honor, cementing his place in both program and national lore.
The announcement comes just days before Auburn takes the court for their Final Four matchup, but the timing couldn’t be more fitting. Kelly’s ascension has been one of the defining storylines of the 2024–2025 college basketball season. From electric scoring bursts to crucial leadership moments, Kelly didn’t just play basketball this year—he elevated it.
From Transfer to Titan: Kelly’s Rapid Rise
Miles Kelly arrived in Auburn after transferring from Georgia Tech, where he was a standout but hadn’t yet scratched the surface of his full potential. Few could have predicted how transformative his presence would be for the Tigers. In Bruce Pearl’s high-octane system, Kelly blossomed into a star, seamlessly taking on a dual role as Auburn’s leading scorer and emotional heartbeat.
He finished the regular season averaging 21.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, all while shooting an efficient 47% from the field and a blistering 42% from three-point range. Kelly also played lockdown defense against some of the nation’s best guards and regularly came up clutch in tight situations, earning the reputation of a cold-blooded closer.
“Miles brought everything we needed and more,” Pearl said. “His confidence, his work ethic, his ability to score in bunches—he changed the entire makeup of this team.”
Defining Moments
Kelly’s season was filled with standout performances, but a few games in particular set him apart on the national stage. His 34-point explosion against Kentucky in late January served as a defining moment, as Auburn stormed into Rupp Arena and stunned the Wildcats. Kelly went 6-for-8 from beyond the arc and hit several dagger threes that silenced the crowd and lit up social media.
Then came his game-winning buzzer beater against Tennessee in February—a high-arching floater that rolled in as time expired, sending Neville Arena into absolute chaos. That shot didn’t just win the game; it symbolized Auburn’s growing identity as a team that refused to flinch.
Perhaps the most symbolic performance came in the Elite Eight against UConn, where Kelly dropped 29 points on 10-of-16 shooting, including back-to-back threes to fend off a Huskies comeback. The performance solidified his case not just as Auburn’s MVP, but the nation’s best player.
A Statistical Juggernaut
What separated Kelly from other top players this season wasn’t just scoring—it was his consistency, efficiency, and versatility. According to KenPom, Kelly ranked in the top 10 nationally in offensive efficiency, usage rate, and effective field goal percentage among high-volume guards. His ability to create his own shot at all three levels—midrange, paint, and perimeter—made him nearly unguardable.
Kelly also led the SEC in total points and was second in Player Efficiency Rating (PER), a remarkable feat considering the depth and talent across the conference this year. He scored 20 or more points in 23 of Auburn’s 36 games, including nine games with at least 25 points.
In addition to his offensive output, Kelly finished with 42 steals and 19 blocks, showcasing his all-around impact and commitment to defense. He was named to both the All-SEC First Team and SEC All-Defensive Team, a rare combination that underscores his two-way excellence.
Winning Mentality and Leadership
Beyond the numbers, Kelly’s leadership was undeniable. He embraced the responsibility of guiding a team with championship aspirations, often being the first to speak in huddles and the last to leave the gym. Coaches raved about his maturity and competitive fire, while teammates respected his poise under pressure.
“He’s the guy who kept us locked in,” fellow guard Tre Donaldson said. “No matter what was happening in the game, Miles made sure we believed we were going to win. That kind of energy is contagious.”
Even off the court, Kelly became a fan favorite for his humility and team-first attitude. In postgame interviews, he consistently deflected praise and credited his teammates and coaches. It’s that balance of confidence and humility that endeared him not just to the Auburn community but to college basketball fans nationwide.
Historical Impact
Kelly’s selection as Sporting News National Player of the Year is a watershed moment for Auburn basketball. He joins a short list of Tigers to earn major national honors, following in the footsteps of legends like Charles Barkley and Jabari Smith Jr.
In doing so, Kelly has further elevated Bruce Pearl’s program into the national spotlight. Auburn is no longer a surprise contender—it’s a legitimate power, and Kelly’s emergence is a big reason why.
“Anytime your player is recognized on a national level like this, it reflects the growth of your program,” Pearl said. “But more than that, it shows that a player like Miles Kelly can come here, develop, and reach the absolute pinnacle.”
Rewriting the Narrative
When Kelly transferred, many saw him as a talented scorer looking for a fresh start. Few predicted he would become the face of college basketball within one season. His story is a testament to player development, fit, and belief.
As the transfer portal reshapes the sport, Kelly’s success is also symbolic of a new era. Players can thrive in the right environment—even if that means starting over. Kelly’s journey from a solid ACC player to a national icon will no doubt inspire a generation of hoopers looking to bet on themselves.
Eyes on the Ultimate Prize
As Auburn prepares for its Final Four matchup, the award serves as both a celebration and a motivator. Kelly and the Tigers are still chasing the ultimate goal: a national championship. And if Auburn gets there, you can bet Kelly will have something to do with it.
“There’s still work to do,” Kelly said in a statement. “This award means the world, but our focus hasn’t changed. We want to win it all.”
With Kelly leading the charge, Auburn fans have every reason to believe.