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JUST IN: Auburn Basketball Beats Out Duke and Georgia Tech In a 3-Team Race for Elite Transfer Guard
In what is shaping up to be one of the biggest transfer portal coups of the offseason, the Auburn Tigers have officially landed a commitment from elite transfer guard Malik Prescott, beating out both the Duke Blue Devils and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in a highly competitive recruitment battle. Prescott, who averaged 17.6 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game last season at Washington State, entered the portal just two weeks ago and immediately drew interest from dozens of programs across the country. However, after narrowing his list to three finalists, Auburn emerged victorious in the sweepstakes for the dynamic 6-foot-4 playmaker.
The decision marks a major win for Bruce Pearl and the Tigers, who are looking to reload following a deep NCAA Tournament run and the potential departure of several key players to the NBA Draft or graduation. Prescott, widely considered one of the top five players in the transfer portal this cycle, brings immediate star power, experience, and versatility to Auburn’s already formidable backcourt.
Pearl Does It Again
When Bruce Pearl took over at Auburn in 2014, the program was a shell of its current self. A decade later, the Tigers are not only a consistent force in the SEC, but also a nationally respected powerhouse on the recruiting and transfer trail. Landing Malik Prescott over blue blood Duke and rising ACC program Georgia Tech is just the latest feather in Pearl’s cap.
“Coach Pearl’s vision and intensity really spoke to me,” Prescott said in a statement released Monday morning. “Auburn felt like home from the moment I stepped on campus. I’m excited to be a part of something special and to compete for a national championship.”
Sources close to Prescott’s recruitment indicated that his visit to Auburn over the weekend sealed the deal. He toured the practice facilities, met with returning players, and was treated to a raucous welcome from students and fans alike. Prescott also had a lengthy meeting with Pearl and his staff, who broke down how they envisioned him thriving in their high-octane system.
“He loved the energy and the family environment,” one source told Auburn Live. “That, plus the opportunity to be a focal point in a winning program, made the choice a no-brainer.”
What Auburn Is Getting
Malik Prescott isn’t just a scorer—he’s a complete guard who can play both on and off the ball, defend multiple positions, and lead a team on and off the court. Standing 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-7 wingspan, Prescott uses his length and athleticism to impact games on both ends. He’s especially lethal in transition, where his speed, creativity, and court vision allow him to either finish at the rim or find open shooters.
At Washington State, Prescott shot 46.8% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor and create offense in a variety of ways. His 5.2 assists per game were among the best in the Pac-12 last season, and he had 14 games with 20 or more points, including a 32-point performance against Arizona that turned national heads.
Perhaps more importantly, Prescott has a reputation as a clutch performer. His game-winning three-pointer against Oregon in the Pac-12 semifinals was one of the highlights of the season and showed just how dangerous he can be under pressure.
For Auburn, he figures to slot in as either a starting point guard or combo guard alongside returning star Tre Donaldson, forming what could be one of the most explosive backcourts in the country.
Why He Chose Auburn Over Duke and Georgia Tech
While Auburn ultimately won out, the competition was fierce. Duke had hoped to pair Prescott with returning guard Caleb Foster to create a dynamic duo capable of pushing the Blue Devils back into Final Four contention. New head coach Bobby Hurley, hired just last week from Arizona State, made an aggressive late push for Prescott and even flew to Spokane for an in-home visit.
Meanwhile, Georgia Tech, under second-year head coach Damon Stoudamire, was seen as a sleeper in the race. Stoudamire’s NBA background and commitment to giving guards freedom in his offense appealed to Prescott, who had Georgia Tech in his top two as recently as Friday.
But Auburn’s momentum was simply too strong.
“Everything about Auburn just clicked,” Prescott said. “The fans, the coaching staff, the facilities—it all felt right. I can’t wait to get to work.”
A Game-Changer for Auburn’s 2025 Outlook
With Prescott now in the fold, Auburn’s 2025 outlook looks even more promising. Already expected to return key pieces like Donaldson, Chad Baker-Mazara, and Johni Broome—if he withdraws from the NBA Draft—the Tigers could be looking at a preseason top-10 ranking. Add in top-50 recruit Amir Warren and now Prescott, and Auburn suddenly has one of the most complete rosters in the country.
More importantly, Pearl and his staff have addressed one of their most pressing offseason needs: perimeter creation. Prescott provides the type of dynamic guard play that can unlock an offense and elevate a team from good to great.
“He changes the ceiling of this team,” one scout told The Athletic. “Auburn just went from a Sweet 16 team to a legit Final Four contender again.”
Portal Moves Heating Up
The addition of Prescott is also a strong signal that Auburn is not done. With the transfer portal open until May 1, the Tigers are expected to remain active. Sources have indicated that Auburn is in contact with multiple frontcourt players, including former five-star center Jordan Taylor from Texas and Dayton forward Mustafa Amzil.
In fact, Auburn could be in line for another commitment soon, as 6-foot-9 stretch four Cam Johnson (formerly of Virginia Tech) is scheduled to visit campus next week. Johnson is a career 39% three-point shooter who would complement Broome and provide spacing for Prescott and Donaldson to operate.
Pearl and his staff have always prioritized versatility and spacing in their offensive sets, and this offseason is no different.
SEC Arms Race in Full Swing
Prescott’s commitment is not just a victory for Auburn—it’s a statement to the rest of the SEC. With programs like Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas all reloading through the portal, Auburn’s aggressive approach is keeping them in the thick of the race.
The SEC, long known for its football dominance, has become arguably the most competitive basketball conference in the country. With coaches like Nate Oats, John Calipari (or his rumored replacement at Kentucky), and now Dusty May at LSU, the pressure to compete on the recruiting trail is immense.
“Everybody’s going after the same guys,” one SEC assistant coach said. “When you land someone like Malik Prescott, it’s not just about the player—it’s about sending a message.”
That message? Auburn isn’t going anywhere.
Final Thoughts
In a transfer portal era defined by whirlwind decisions and high-stakes recruitment, Auburn’s landing of Malik Prescott is a testament to Bruce Pearl’s culture, consistency, and recruiting acumen. Prescott gives the Tigers a dynamic shot creator, a floor general, and a proven winner—everything they need to chase another deep run in March.
Whether it’s his explosiveness in transition, his calm under pressure, or his leadership qualities, Prescott checks every box for a program that refuses to settle.
“We’re building something special here,” Pearl said in a statement. “Malik is a huge part of that. He’s the type of player who can take us to the next level, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him in orange and blue.”
With the ink barely dry on his commitment and Auburn’s fanbase already buzzing, one thing is clear: the Tigers just got a whole lot better—and the rest of the college basketball world just took notice.
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