The 2024–25 college basketball season will be remembered for many things—epic buzzer-beaters, elite talent, and shifting power dynamics. But few stories captivated fans more than the journey of the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball team. Under the unwavering leadership of head coach Bruce Pearl, the Tigers didn’t just exceed expectations—they redefined them. From preseason doubts to postseason dominance, Auburn’s unforgettable run electrified the SEC and reminded the nation what happens when belief, discipline, and brotherhood align.
The Spark That Lit the Fire
Before the season even tipped off, few pundits were willing to bet on Auburn as a legitimate Final Four contender. The Tigers were coming off a decent 2023–24 campaign, but had fallen short in critical moments. That changed quickly. With a potent mix of returning veterans, breakout underclassmen, and a top-tier transfer class, Auburn had all the ingredients for a deep tournament run—they just needed to gel.
The season began with tough non-conference tests. A thrilling early win over Indiana at a neutral site set the tone. But it was a hard-fought, overtime loss to a top-five Kansas team that galvanized the roster. “That loss brought us together,” senior guard K.D. Johnson said. “We saw how close we were to greatness.”
Bruce Pearl: The Architect of Belief
At the heart of Auburn’s rise was Bruce Pearl. Now in his second decade on The Plains, Pearl has become the embodiment of Auburn basketball. Passionate, relentless, and incredibly savvy, Pearl pulled every lever this season to maximize his squad’s potential. Whether it was instilling confidence in streaky shooters, trusting his bench, or emphasizing defensive intensity, Pearl kept the Tigers locked in—even when the lights got brightest.
Pearl’s ability to adjust mid-game became a critical difference-maker. In a pivotal road win against Tennessee, Pearl shifted to a 1-3-1 zone that flustered the Volunteers into 13 second-half turnovers. “Coach never panics,” said freshman phenom Jaden Davis. “That calm gets into all of us.”
Breakout Stars and Veteran Presence
Auburn’s roster featured a compelling blend of experience and youthful firepower. Senior center Johni Broome returned for one final season, anchoring the defense and dominating the glass. His presence in the paint forced opponents to alter game plans. Averaging 17.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, Broome played like a man on a mission.
But it wasn’t just Broome. Sophomore guard Denver Jones took a giant leap forward, becoming the team’s go-to scorer in crunch time. With his smooth shooting stroke and improved court vision, Jones evolved into an All-SEC performer.
And then there was Jaden Davis—the highly touted freshman who lived up to the hype. His explosiveness in transition and fearless approach made him a fan favorite. Whether it was a thunderous dunk or a chasedown block, Davis provided momentum-shifting plays throughout the season.
Bench players like Tre Donaldson, Dylan Cardwell, and Chad Baker-Mazara embraced their roles and delivered clutch contributions. Auburn wasn’t a one-man show—it was a 12-man engine firing in sync.
Defensive Identity and Relentless Hustle
If there was a defining trait of this Auburn team, it was their defense. Pearl’s squads have always emphasized energy, but this year’s Tigers played with a ferocity rarely seen. They ranked top-5 nationally in steals and held opponents to just 39.7% shooting from the field. It wasn’t unusual to see them dive for loose balls, take charges, or sprint back to stop fast breaks.
Their effort was contagious. Fans packed Neville Arena game after game, feeding off the team’s grit. “We feed off the Jungle,” said Pearl, referencing the raucous student section. “It’s the best home-court advantage in college basketball.”
Signature Wins and Turning Points
Every unforgettable season has its moments—and Auburn delivered a slew of them.
- Double Overtime Thriller vs. Kentucky: In late January, the Tigers hosted the Wildcats in a game that many called the best of the regular season. After two overtimes, a corner three by Baker-Mazara sealed the win. The Jungle erupted, and Auburn surged into the top-10 rankings.
- Comeback at Arkansas: Down 18 at halftime on the road, Pearl lit into his team in the locker room—and they responded. A suffocating press and a 26-point second half from Denver Jones led to a stunning comeback win.
- Senior Night Sendoff: Johni Broome and K.D. Johnson were honored in front of a sellout crowd—and delivered a 20-point win over rival Alabama, punctuated by a Broome block that shook the building.
These weren’t just wins; they were statements.
SEC Tournament Run
The Tigers entered the SEC Tournament in Nashville as the No. 2 seed and wasted no time making their presence felt. A commanding victory over Florida in the quarterfinals was followed by a defensive clinic against Texas A&M in the semis. In the championship, Auburn faced a red-hot Kentucky team—but they were ready.
Behind Davis’s 24 points and Broome’s 14 boards, Auburn hoisted the SEC Tournament trophy, cementing themselves as not just a dangerous team—but a legitimate national title contender.
March Madness Magic
The NCAA Tournament selection committee rewarded Auburn with a No. 3 seed in the Midwest Region. Their path to the Final Four would not be easy—but this team didn’t care. They thrived on challenges.
- Round of 64 vs. Yale: A slow start gave way to a second-half explosion led by Donaldson’s three-point shooting. The Tigers advanced with a 78-59 win.
- Round of 32 vs. Creighton: The Bluejays tested Auburn’s perimeter defense, but a clutch performance by Jones and late-game poise earned the Tigers a gritty 73-70 victory.
- Sweet 16 vs. Arizona: Broome outdueled All-American big man Oumar Ballo in a low-post slugfest, and Davis added two highlight-reel dunks that went viral. Auburn won 68-64.
- Elite Eight vs. Houston: One of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament. Houston’s physical defense met its match in Auburn’s relentless effort. In one of the most memorable games of the year, Davis hit a go-ahead floater with 3.2 seconds left to lift Auburn to its second Final Four under Pearl.
Final Four and Beyond
In the Final Four, Auburn faced off against top-seeded UConn. Despite falling behind early, the Tigers roared back to tie the game late in the second half. Ultimately, UConn’s experience proved too much, and Auburn fell 79-72.
But the loss didn’t feel like an ending—it felt like a beginning.
Pearl was emotional afterward. “This group will go down in history,” he said, his voice cracking. “They gave everything they had—not just for Auburn, but for each other.”
Legacy of the 2024–25 Team
Years from now, fans won’t just remember the wins. They’ll remember the camaraderie. The chest bumps. The tears. The “Broome Block” memes. The Jungle storms. The sound of the final horn echoing as players collapsed in joy and exhaustion.
They’ll remember how a team few believed in became the heart of the Auburn community—and inspired a new generation of kids to pick up a basketball and dream big.
This Auburn team rekindled the program’s national relevance. Recruits took notice. Fans reconnected. Donors gave more. And players left their mark not just on stat sheets, but in the hearts of Tiger faithful everywhere.
Looking Ahead
Though Auburn will lose key seniors, the foundation is rock solid. Jaden Davis will return as a potential All-American. Recruiting continues to thrive, with several top-50 prospects on the way. And as long as Bruce Pearl is pacing the sidelines, the Tigers will remain a threat on the national stage.
In a sport where success is fleeting and memories often fade, the 2024–25 Auburn men’s basketball team gave us something enduring. Something heartfelt. Something unforgettable.
And if you listen closely on a game night next season inside Neville Arena, you’ll still hear echoes of the crowd chanting in unison:
