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NBA Draft withdraw winners & losers
Auburn, Kentucky, Alabama and Oregon all got great news when it came to the NBA Draft. In fact, it was a rare year when the college game got what it needed. Plus: Gonzaga adds a former POY, the ACC's schedule matchups are out, and much more from a packed news day.
Samuel Lance
May 29, 2025
In partnership with
Good morning! Is there such a thing as a first-round promise anymore?
Let’s get to Wednesday’s college hoops news.
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1. Auburn’s big day goes beyond Pettiford’s return
If you had fun watching Tahaad Pettiford come off the bench and dominate games for Auburn last season, you’re in luck.
Pettiford stood out during the NBA Combine and scored 23 points in one of the scrimmage games. He possibly was a first-round pick, but he opted to prove during his sophomore season with the Tigers that he’s a no-doubt 2026 lottery selection.
The guard instantly becomes one of the game’s biggest names next season. He’ll be handed the keys to Bruce Pearl’s offense and has a chance to be an SEC-POY, All-American caliber talent. Last season, he averaged 11.6 points in 22.9 minutes per game off the bench, but he went erupted for 20+ points six times and twice in the NCAA Tournament. Imagine what he could do as “the guy.”
The sophomore guard’s decision to return wasn’t the only big news for Auburn on Wednesday. The Tigers also added international prospect Filip Jovic, who will round out their roster next season and provide depth to the frontcourt.
Jovic, the 6-foot-9, 20-year-old Serbian forward, played for Mega SuperBet in the Adriatic League last season. He averaged 12.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across 27 games. Watch some of his highlights here.
Auburn’s 2025-26 roster is taking shape. Pettiford, former Texas Tech guard Kevin Overton, former UCF guard Keyshawn Hall, JUCO addition Abdul Bashir and 2025 recruits Kaden Magwood and Simon Walker round out Auburn at guard. Then you have Jovic, former Mississippi State forward KeShawn Murphy, former Division II wing Elijah Freeman, JUCO product Emeka Oporum and 2025 recruit Sebastian Williams-Adams at the four/five spots. Time will tell how good they can be.
2. NBA Draft decision winners and losers
The NBA Draft stay/go decision window this year was HUGE for college basketball. Several stars returned to school at big time programs, and we should be in for a wild ride in 2025-26.
