When you think about what defines a great player—not just on the field or court but in the heart of a program—it’s leadership, grit, consistency, and a certain presence that can’t be coached. That’s what CBM brought to Auburn during his two unforgettable seasons on the Plains. He wasn’t just a player. He was a tone-setter, a believer, and a competitor who left a mark that won’t soon fade.
Now, as CBM sets his sights on a new chapter with USC, it’s only right to pause, reflect, and say two simple but deeply sincere words: thank you.
Thank you for the effort. Thank you for the heart. Thank you for the moments—big and small—that reminded us all why we love this game and this team.
When CBM first arrived at Auburn, the expectations were unclear, the future uncertain. But that didn’t stop him from embracing the moment, taking it upon himself to be part of something bigger than just his personal journey. He committed to a team culture that was still being shaped, to coaches who asked him to trust, and to a fanbase that never needed flashy promises—just passion, pride, and purpose.
And CBM delivered all three.
In every game, win or lose, he brought a competitive fire that ignited those around him. He was the kind of teammate who made practices matter and the kind of leader who never asked others to do what he wasn’t willing to do himself. Whether it was a critical stop late in a tough matchup, a leadership moment in the locker room, or simply showing up with intensity and maturity, CBM earned the respect of his teammates and coaches—and the admiration of Auburn Nation.
That’s not easy to do in the SEC, where every game is a battle and every week is a test. But CBM never shied away from a challenge. If anything, he thrived on it. He became a cornerstone for the team’s identity—resilient, tough, relentless. He was a physical force and a mental anchor, the kind of presence you could count on in clutch moments.
It wasn’t always glamorous. Some of his biggest contributions didn’t make the highlight reels. They were quiet sacrifices—diving for loose balls, making the extra pass, playing through pain, mentoring younger teammates behind the scenes. But real ones saw it. Auburn fans saw it. And they won’t forget.
Then came the defining moments—the flashes of brilliance that reminded everyone just how special CBM really was. The game-saving plays, the thunderous finishes, the emotional energy that lifted entire arenas. In those moments, it wasn’t just about talent. It was about legacy. It was about CBM cementing his name in Auburn history not just for what he did, but for how he did it—with humility, purpose, and love for the game.
What made his time on the Plains even more remarkable was the way he embraced Auburn as more than a stop along the way. He immersed himself in the culture. He showed up for the community. He wore the orange and blue with pride and spoke about this place as home. That connection wasn’t manufactured—it was genuine. And it meant the world to a fanbase that values heart as much as heroics.
Now, as he transitions to USC, there are mixed emotions—sadness to see him go, pride in what he accomplished, and excitement for what’s next. Because anyone who watched CBM at Auburn knows he’s built for the big stage. The Trojans are getting more than a skilled player. They’re getting a leader. A warrior. A pro in every sense of the word.
The decision to move on isn’t easy. But CBM earned the right to take the next step on his terms. He gave everything he had to Auburn and then some. And while he may be wearing different colors now, his impact here is permanent.
For the Auburn family, this isn’t goodbye. It’s thank you. It’s see you soon. Because once you’ve been part of this program, you’re family for life. And no matter where CBM goes, War Eagle will always echo with his name.
There’s a saying around here: “Auburn men and women believe in Auburn and love it.” CBM embodied that belief in every rep, every game, every day he wore that jersey. He showed what it means to compete with class, to lead with character, and to represent a university with pride.
Looking back, these two seasons feel like a blur—so many memories, so much growth. CBM came in as a promising talent and left as a foundational figure in Auburn’s recent story. His development on the court mirrored his growth as a person: more poised, more confident, more determined than ever before. He leaves better than he arrived—and he made Auburn better by being here.
In sports, not all stories end with championships or stat-sheet dominance. Some end with impact—the kind that lingers in the hearts of those who watched, who cheered, who believed. That’s the legacy CBM leaves behind. Not just in points or wins, but in the feeling he gave Auburn fans every time he stepped onto the court: that no matter the odds, we had a fighter on our side.
As he heads west, we’ll watch with pride. We’ll root for him every step of the way—not just because of what he did here, but because of who he is. CBM carries Auburn with him wherever he goes, and we’ll carry his legacy right alongside him.
So here’s to you, CBM. For the sweat, the sacrifice, the memories. For representing Auburn the right way. For two unforgettable seasons that reminded us why we love this team, this school, this game. For everything.
Thank you. Good luck at USC. And War Eagle forever.