As Auburn men’s basketball heads to the Final Four for the second time in program history, the team’s journey to college basketball’s biggest stage has been marked by a profound sense of faith and gratitude. For many players and coaches on the roster, the success they’ve experienced this season isn’t just about basketball—it’s about their belief in God, their commitment to their faith, and how that faith has guided them throughout their remarkable journey.
Under the leadership of head coach Bruce Pearl, Auburn has transcended the typical boundaries of college athletics, creating a program that is not only competitive on the court but also grounded in strong spiritual values. As the Tigers make their way to the Final Four, they do so with hearts full of gratitude and praise for the strength and guidance they believe they have received from God.
This article will explore the role faith plays in the Auburn men’s basketball team, how it has shaped their journey to the Final Four, and the ways in which the players and coaches have acknowledged their belief in God as central to their success. We’ll also look at how the team’s commitment to faith has brought them closer together, creating a bond that goes beyond the basketball court and allowing them to overcome adversity, stay grounded in humility, and celebrate their blessings along the way.
The Power of Faith: A Foundation for Success
For many athletes, the pressure of performing at the highest level in college athletics can be overwhelming. The long hours of practice, the grueling competition, the expectations of fans and coaches—all of these elements can create an environment where it is easy to lose focus and succumb to the stress. But for Auburn’s basketball team, faith has been a stabilizing force, allowing the players to keep a sense of perspective and remain grounded no matter the situation.
Bruce Pearl, a devout Christian, has made it clear from the very beginning of his tenure as Auburn’s head coach that faith is an important part of the program. He often speaks openly about his beliefs and the role that his faith plays in his approach to coaching. His philosophy of leadership goes beyond teaching basketball skills—he also seeks to build character, instill integrity, and foster a sense of purpose that extends off the court as well.
In his tenure at Auburn, Pearl has created a program where faith isn’t just accepted—it’s embraced. His approach to leadership centers on helping the young men on his team grow not only as athletes but also as individuals who are mindful of their spiritual lives and the impact they have on others. The Auburn basketball program has seen its players flourish both on and off the court, and much of this success can be attributed to the strong foundation of faith that runs through the team.
For the players, faith is a source of strength. When faced with the challenges of the NCAA Tournament, the pressure of high-stakes games, and the daily grind of the season, many of them turn to their belief in God for guidance, strength, and peace of mind. Whether it’s before a game, after a tough loss, or during moments of celebration, the Auburn players consistently make time to give thanks and praise to God for their opportunities and their successes.
Faith in Action: The Auburn Players’ Testimonies
Throughout the 2025 NCAA Tournament, several Auburn players have shared their thoughts on how faith has played a central role in their journey to the Final Four. For many of them, their faith is not only something they hold dear but also something they openly discuss with their teammates. These shared moments of prayer, Bible study, and spiritual conversation have created a sense of unity and strength among the players, making them a team that is not only playing for victory but also for a higher purpose.
Johni Broome, a standout guard for Auburn, has been vocal about how his relationship with God has been the cornerstone of his life and his success. Broome, who has had a breakout season and been one of the Tigers’ most consistent performers in the tournament, frequently mentions how his faith has guided him through difficult moments in games. For Broome, basketball isn’t just a sport—it’s an opportunity to honor God and live out his faith on the court.
“Basketball is my platform to give glory to God,” Broome said after Auburn’s victory in the Elite Eight. “I know that everything I do on this court is because of the blessings I’ve received from Him. He’s given me the ability to play, the strength to overcome adversity, and the focus to keep going when things get tough. It’s about honoring Him with my talents and being a light to my teammates and the fans.”
For Allen Flanigan, a senior and one of the leaders of the team, his faith has been a source of perseverance. After suffering a significant injury in his career, many thought Flanigan’s time at Auburn might be limited. But through his struggles, his belief in God gave him the resilience to come back stronger than ever. Flanigan has openly credited his recovery and success to his faith, saying that it was through prayer and trust in God that he was able to overcome the challenges in his path.
“I’ve learned a lot about myself through my faith,” Flanigan shared. “God has shown me that through every hardship, there’s a purpose. And I believe that I’m here for a reason. My faith keeps me grounded, it keeps me focused, and it gives me strength to keep going, no matter the situation.”
Chris Moore, another key contributor for Auburn, has similarly spoken about the importance of his faith in shaping his approach to the game and to life in general. For Moore, the team’s success is about more than just basketball—it’s about the relationships they build with each other and the greater purpose they share in following Christ.
“We’ve got a lot of talented guys on this team, but what makes us special is our bond off the court,” Moore said. “We support each other, we pray together, and we push each other to be better not just as basketball players but as men of faith. That’s what makes this team so unique. Our faith is what keeps us together.”
The Role of Bruce Pearl: A Coach Who Leads with Faith
Bruce Pearl’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering a culture of faith within the Auburn basketball program. Pearl’s openness about his own Christian faith has set the tone for the entire team, allowing his players to feel comfortable sharing their beliefs and seeking spiritual guidance.
Pearl has often spoken about how his faith influences his coaching philosophy. He believes that basketball is an opportunity to teach life lessons, and one of the most important lessons is the value of humility, service, and gratitude. By focusing on these values, Pearl has created an environment where his players understand that their worth is not determined by their performance on the court but by their character and their faith in God.
“I’m not just here to coach basketball,” Pearl explained in a recent interview. “I’m here to help these young men become better people. I want them to understand that life is bigger than basketball. Faith gives them a foundation to build upon, and it’s my job to help them grow not only as players but also as individuals.”
In addition to his personal leadership, Pearl has made it a priority for his team to engage in Bible studies, prayer circles, and other spiritual activities. Whether it’s before or after a game, the team comes together to pray, thanking God for their victories and seeking His guidance in times of difficulty. This communal approach to faith has strengthened the bond between the players and allowed them to see their success not as a result of individual talent alone but as a collective effort supported by a higher power.
A Moment of Gratitude: Praising God After a Historic Run
After Auburn secured their spot in the Final Four with a hard-fought victory in the Elite Eight, the players and coaching staff gathered in the locker room, and what followed was a moment of pure gratitude. In the midst of their celebration, Bruce Pearl took a moment to address his team.
“I just want to thank God for this moment,” Pearl said, his voice filled with emotion. “We’ve worked so hard to get here, and none of this would be possible without His grace. I’m so proud of each and every one of you, and I believe that He’s with us every step of the way.”
Following Pearl’s words, the team joined in prayer, thanking God for their achievements and seeking His guidance for the games ahead. For the players, this moment was about more than basketball—it was a chance to acknowledge that their journey was part of a greater plan, and they were grateful for the opportunities they had been given.