Auburn men’s basketball has reached a new pinnacle in its storied history. The Tigers are back in the Final Four, marking a return to college basketball’s biggest stage after making their first-ever appearance in 2019. This is a monumental achievement for the program, one that signifies not only the success of the current team but also the program’s growth into a perennial powerhouse in college basketball.
The road to the Final Four has been a long and challenging journey for Auburn, filled with adversity, triumphs, and key moments that have all led to this historic moment. The Tigers, under the leadership of head coach Bruce Pearl, have gone from being an underdog team to one of the most consistent programs in the nation. Now, in 2025, they find themselves back in the Final Four, primed to make another deep run into the NCAA Tournament and possibly capture the school’s first-ever national championship.
This article will take a deep dive into how Auburn reached this point, highlighting the key players, the team’s journey through the tournament, the leadership of Bruce Pearl, and what this historic achievement means for the program. Furthermore, we will look ahead to what fans can expect from Auburn as they prepare for the Final Four.
A Program in Transformation: The Rise of Auburn Basketball
Auburn basketball’s rise to national prominence can be traced back to Bruce Pearl’s hire in 2014. When Pearl took over, Auburn was a program with potential but lacking consistency and success. It wasn’t long before Pearl began to transform the Tigers into a team that could compete with the best of them. His high-energy style, focus on defense, and ability to recruit top-tier talent quickly turned Auburn into a major contender in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
The breakthrough came in 2019 when Auburn made its first-ever Final Four appearance. Led by standout players like Jared Harper, Bryce Brown, and Chuma Okeke, the Tigers stunned the basketball world with a thrilling tournament run. Their journey to the Final Four was filled with dramatic moments, including an epic win over the Kentucky Wildcats in the SEC Tournament and a buzzer-beater victory over New Mexico State in the Round of 64.
Although Auburn fell short in the Final Four in 2019, losing to eventual national champions Virginia in a heart-wrenching game, the Tigers had firmly established themselves as a top-tier program in college basketball. The experience of making it to that stage helped Auburn build the foundation for future success.
Since then, Auburn has maintained its status as one of the top programs in the SEC, consistently competing for conference championships and NCAA Tournament bids. The Tigers have built a strong recruiting pipeline, attracting some of the best players in the nation, and have remained a force in both the SEC and national tournaments. In 2025, Auburn is back at the Final Four, hungry for redemption and poised to finish what they started.
The Road to the Final Four: Auburn’s 2025 NCAA Tournament Journey
Auburn’s 2025 NCAA Tournament run has been nothing short of spectacular. After finishing the regular season with a solid record in the SEC, the Tigers entered the tournament with a chip on their shoulder. While they were not the top overall seed, they were regarded as one of the most dangerous teams in the field, thanks to their balanced roster, depth, and championship pedigree.
The Early Rounds: Steady and Unstoppable
In the first round of the tournament, Auburn wasted no time asserting itself. The Tigers dominated their opponent with a mix of suffocating defense and fast-paced offense, winning by a comfortable margin. As the tournament advanced, Auburn continued to play with confidence, dispatching opponents with efficiency. Their offense, led by a dynamic backcourt and a versatile frontcourt, looked in sync, while their defense shut down opponents’ key players and disrupted offensive schemes.
What stood out during the early rounds was Auburn’s ability to play multiple styles of basketball. Whether it was in the half-court offense or on the fast break, Auburn showed that it could adapt to any style of play. Their defense, particularly their ability to guard the perimeter and create turnovers, was a key factor in their success. The Tigers were not just relying on their offense to win games—they were shutting down opponents and dictating the tempo of every matchup.
The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight: A Test of Resilience
Auburn’s next two games, in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, were much more challenging, as they faced teams that were equally hungry for a spot in the Final Four. But once again, the Tigers stepped up when it mattered most.
In the Sweet 16, Auburn faced a highly ranked opponent that had been dominant throughout the tournament. It was a physical, hard-fought battle, and Auburn showed its resilience in the face of adversity. Led by their standout players and clutch performances in key moments, the Tigers were able to outlast their opponent in a game that went down to the wire. The final minutes of the game were a testament to Auburn’s mental toughness and their ability to execute under pressure.
The Elite Eight matchup was equally intense. Auburn faced a talented team with a strong defensive unit, but the Tigers’ offensive firepower was too much to handle. Johni Broome, a standout guard, delivered a series of key plays down the stretch, hitting clutch shots and playing lock-down defense when necessary. It was Broome’s playmaking, combined with the scoring ability of Allen Flanigan and Chris Moore, that helped propel Auburn into the Final Four.
A Balanced Attack: Team Play at Its Finest
What has been most impressive about Auburn’s run to the Final Four is how balanced the team has been across all positions. Their offense is not centered around one or two players but instead flows through the collective effort of everyone on the court. The backcourt, led by Broome, has been particularly effective, creating offense not only for themselves but also for their teammates.
Auburn’s frontcourt, featuring players like Yohan Traoré and Jaylin Williams, has been equally important. These players have been able to score inside, control the boards, and anchor the defense. Their versatility allows Auburn to be dynamic, both offensively and defensively. The team has also shown depth, with players coming off the bench to make significant contributions when needed.
Bruce Pearl’s coaching has been a key factor in the team’s success. Pearl’s ability to put his players in positions to succeed, combined with his defensive game plans, has been instrumental in Auburn’s run. His leadership and experience, especially from their previous Final Four run in 2019, have helped the Tigers stay focused and composed throughout the tournament.
Key Players to Watch
As Auburn prepares for its Final Four matchup, there are several players who have been standout contributors to their success this season. Here are a few key players to keep an eye on:
Johni Broome
Broome, a talented guard, has been the engine behind Auburn’s offense. His ability to score, distribute the ball, and create opportunities for his teammates has made him one of the most dangerous players in college basketball. Broome’s leadership and composure in high-pressure situations have been crucial during Auburn’s tournament run. His ability to make clutch plays will be critical for Auburn in the Final Four.
Allen Flanigan
Flanigan is another key player for Auburn, known for his scoring ability and defensive prowess. His experience and versatility allow him to be a difference-maker on both ends of the floor. Flanigan’s ability to take over games and make plays in critical moments will be a key factor in Auburn’s chances of advancing to the championship game.
Yohan Traoré
Traoré, a dynamic forward, has been a key contributor for Auburn in the paint. His scoring ability inside, rebounding, and shot-blocking have given the Tigers a strong presence in the post. His ability to control the boards and protect the rim will be crucial for Auburn’s success in the Final Four.
Bruce Pearl
Pearl’s leadership cannot be overlooked. He has been instrumental in turning Auburn into a powerhouse program, and his experience in big games, including their 2019 Final Four run, will be invaluable as the Tigers prepare for another shot at a national championship. Pearl knows how to manage the pressure of high-stakes games and how to keep his team focused on the ultimate goal.
What This Means for Auburn
Auburn’s return to the Final Four is a landmark achievement for the program. After their first-ever appearance in 2019, this second trip to college basketball’s biggest stage solidifies Auburn as a national contender. The Tigers have now established themselves as one of the premier programs in college basketball, and their success will likely continue for years to come.
For Auburn fans, this is an exciting time. After years of rebuilding and growth, the Tigers are once again poised to compete for a national championship. The program’s success is a testament to the work that Bruce Pearl and his staff have put into building a strong and sustainable program, and the future looks incredibly bright.