In one of the most riveting turns of the 2024–2025 college basketball season, Auburn Tigers guard Miles Kelly has officially been named The Sporting News National Player of the Year, a historic achievement that cements his legacy in the annals of both Auburn and NCAA basketball. For a player who transferred into the SEC with quiet confidence and an unshakable work ethic, this honor is a testament to Kelly’s perseverance, leadership, and undeniable brilliance on the hardwood.
This recognition not only catapults Kelly into the national spotlight but also highlights the phenomenal rise of the Auburn men’s basketball program under head coach Bruce Pearl. From dynamic scoring performances to clutch leadership moments, Kelly’s senior season became the stuff of legends—and now, the entire college basketball world is taking notice.
The Journey to Greatness: From Georgia Tech to Auburn
Miles Kelly’s journey began in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and wound through Georgia Tech before arriving in Auburn, Alabama. After spending three seasons with the Yellow Jackets, Kelly transferred to Auburn for his senior campaign. His choice was met with intrigue. Some questioned whether he’d be able to adapt to the rugged pace and physicality of the SEC. Others doubted whether he could elevate his game beyond what he had shown in Atlanta.
Kelly answered all of those questions with authority—and then some.
From the opening tip of the season, Kelly embraced the pressure, the expectations, and the SEC spotlight. What followed was a breakout campaign that few could have predicted. Averaging 21.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, he became Auburn’s heartbeat on both ends of the floor. He shot over 42% from beyond the arc, showcased a vastly improved handle, and routinely took over games in crunch time. Kelly’s consistency was remarkable—he scored in double digits in 33 of Auburn’s 35 games and had 11 outings with 25 or more points.
Electrifying Performances: The Signature Moments
A Player of the Year campaign needs defining moments—and Kelly delivered them in droves. There was the 34-point explosion against Kentucky at Rupp Arena, where he went 6-for-8 from three and silenced the raucous Big Blue Nation with an array of step-backs, pull-ups, and drives. There was the game-winning three against Alabama, a shot that not only secured Auburn’s place atop the SEC standings but became an instant classic in Iron Bowl basketball history.
But perhaps his most iconic moment came during the SEC Tournament semifinals, when Auburn faced off against then-No. 1 Tennessee. With his team down by nine late in the second half, Kelly erupted for 16 points in the final six minutes—capped by a midrange jumper in traffic that sealed the win. The Tigers would go on to win the SEC Tournament Championship, with Kelly earning tournament MVP honors.
These performances didn’t just win games—they galvanized a fanbase, inspired teammates, and placed Auburn basketball under the national microscope in a way not seen since their Final Four run in 2019.
Bruce Pearl’s Masterstroke
While Kelly’s talent is undeniable, it would be incomplete to tell this story without crediting the role of Bruce Pearl. A veteran of the coaching game, Pearl recognized that Auburn needed a leader and go-to scorer to elevate the Tigers in a hyper-competitive SEC. When Kelly entered the transfer portal, Pearl wasted no time making his pitch.
“He’s a warrior,” Pearl said earlier this season. “Miles brings everything you want in a player—toughness, shot-making, and the will to win. But more than that, he fit our culture. He wanted to get better. He wanted to be part of something bigger.”
Pearl gave Kelly the green light but also entrusted him with leadership responsibilities. Kelly responded by becoming the team’s emotional and strategic leader, organizing offseason workouts, mentoring underclassmen, and embracing the weight of expectations. He became the quintessential Bruce Pearl player—hard-nosed, unselfish, and electrifying when the moment demanded it.
Elevating Auburn Basketball
While Kelly’s individual numbers and accolades are staggering, his greatest contribution may be what he meant to the Auburn program as a whole. Under his leadership, Auburn finished the regular season 29–6 and claimed a share of the SEC regular-season title. They earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and advanced to the Elite Eight before falling to a red-hot UConn team.
Kelly’s influence was evident on every possession. He operated as a floor general and stabilizer in tight games, dictating pace and creating space for his teammates. His partnership with point guard Aden Holloway created one of the most potent backcourts in the nation. Together, they turned Auburn into a transition nightmare for opposing defenses.
Defensively, Kelly’s length and awareness allowed Auburn to switch across multiple positions, contributing to a top-10 national ranking in defensive efficiency. He averaged 1.6 steals per game and regularly took on the opponent’s best perimeter scorer.
National Recognition and Impact
The Sporting News honor is one of the four major National Player of the Year awards, alongside the Naismith, Wooden, and AP honors. Kelly is the first Auburn player to win the Sporting News award and only the second SEC player to claim it in the last decade, joining LSU’s Ben Simmons (2016).
His win sends a powerful message—that elite talent can thrive at Auburn and that the Tigers are now a legitimate destination for top-tier transfers and recruits.
Miles Kelly also becomes just the third transfer in history to win the award, following Oscar Tshiebwe and Tyler Hansbrough—two players who turned their lone seasons at new schools into unforgettable legacies.
The NBA Looms
With his college career now complete, the next chapter for Kelly is the NBA. Scouts and executives are already raving about his improved shooting mechanics, his maturity, and his ability to play both guard positions. Projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick entering the season, Kelly is now climbing into the top 10 on several big boards.
“He’s ready,” said one anonymous scout after the NCAA Tournament. “He’s got NBA range, NBA body control, and he’s a winner. Teams love guys like that.”
Expect Kelly to be one of the most talked-about prospects at the NBA Combine, where he’ll have the chance to showcase his athleticism, interview with teams, and solidify his draft position.
A Legacy Secured
Regardless of where Kelly ends up in the NBA, his impact at Auburn is already secure. He’ll be remembered as the player who lit up the jungle, revived Auburn’s national hopes, and made the Tigers must-watch television all season long. He didn’t just play for Auburn—he left an imprint that will echo through the program for years to come.
Fans have already begun clamoring for his jersey to be retired, a sentiment echoed by several Auburn alumni and former players.
“What he did in one year is incredible,” said former Auburn star Jared Harper. “He brought us back into the national title conversation and did it with class and passion. That No. 13 needs to go up in the rafters.”
The Player and the Person
Amid all the accolades and highlight reels, perhaps the most striking thing about Miles Kelly is his humility. After receiving the Sporting News award, he issued a heartfelt statement:
“This is bigger than me. I want to thank my coaches, teammates, and the Auburn family for believing in me. I came here to win and to grow as a player and a man. I’m honored and grateful—but the job’s not finished. I’ll always be a Tiger.”
He’s also made his mark in the community. Kelly spent his off-days volunteering at local youth clinics and frequently visited Auburn’s elementary schools to read books to children and talk about perseverance and dreams. Those efforts didn’t go unnoticed.
“Miles has shown what a true student-athlete looks like,” Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen said. “He’s given everything to this university, and we’re incredibly proud of him.”
What’s Next for Auburn?
With Kelly moving on, the question becomes: where does Auburn go from here?
Coach Pearl has already built a strong recruiting class for next season and expects Holloway, Johni Broome, and Denver Jones to step into larger leadership roles. There are also whispers that Auburn is pursuing another high-level transfer guard to fill the massive shoes left by Kelly.
Still, replacing a National Player of the Year is no small task. What Miles Kelly did this season can’t simply be replicated—it was a perfect storm of timing, talent, and trust.
Final Thoughts
In a sport often dominated by blue bloods and perennial powerhouse programs, Miles Kelly’s story stands out as a beacon of possibility. A talented but overlooked guard transfers to a new school, finds the perfect fit, and takes the nation by storm. He didn’t just win games—he inspired belief, ignited passion, and raised the standard for what it means to wear an Auburn jersey.
As the confetti settles and the season winds down, one thing is crystal clear: Miles Kelly didn’t just make history—he became history.