Andrew Pace
The Auburn Tigers men's basketball team has had its fair share of successes and setbacks over the years. With a rich history dating back to 1906, the team has represented Auburn University in the Southeastern Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). While they have faced challenges, including alleged recruiting violations, the Tigers have also achieved notable victories, such as winning six conference regular-season championships and three SEC tournament championships. In recent times, Auburn has climbed to the top spot in the men's basketball Power 37 rankings, with standout players like Nate Bittle, Keeshawn Barthelemy, and Bamba contributing to their success. With a talented roster and a dedicated coaching staff, the Auburn Tigers are a force to be reckoned with in the world of college basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Auburn Tigers men's basketball ranking in 2024 | #1 in Power 37 |
| Auburn Tigers men's basketball ranking in 2025 | #1 in Top 25 And 1 |
| Number of consecutive days as #1 in 2025 | 68 |
| Number of losses in 2025 | 5 |
| Number of Quadrant 1 wins in 2025 | 16 |
| Number of teams beaten by Auburn that are top-four seeds in the NCAA Tournament | 5 |
| Seating capacity of Auburn's home court, Neville Arena | 9,121 |
| Number of Auburn players named All-Americans | 14 |
| Number of Auburn players named All-SEC | 102 |
| Number of Auburn players picked in the NBA draft | 36 |
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What You'll Learn
Auburn Tigers men's basketball team history
The Auburn Tigers men's basketball team represents Auburn University in the Southeastern Conference of Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Tigers play their home games at the Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama, on the university campus.
The Auburn Tigers have won six regular-season conference championships in their history: one Southern Conference championship in 1928 and four Southeastern Conference championships in 1960, 1999, 2018, and 2022. They also won the SEC West Division championship in 1999 and the SEC tournament three times: in 1985 under coach Sonny Smith, and in 2019 and 2024 under Bruce Pearl. The 1985 Auburn Tigers were the first team ever to win four games in four days to win the SEC Tournament.
The Tigers' head coach for 16 seasons was Donahue, the longest tenure of any men's basketball coach in Auburn's history. He finished with a record of 74-80-1. During his time at Auburn, Donahue also served as the athletic director and coached the football, baseball, track, and soccer teams. Cliff Ellis, the Tigers' 17th head coach, led the team from 1994 to 2004. His most successful season was 1998-99, when the Tigers won the SEC regular-season championship and became the first Auburn team to earn a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament, reaching the Sweet Sixteen.
In the 2023-24 season, the Auburn Tigers finished with a record of 27-8, 13-5 in the Southeastern Conference, tying for second place in the conference. They advanced to the Elite Eight, claiming the South Regional title and advancing to the Final Four for the second time in school history. However, their season ended with a loss to eventual champion Florida.
In December 2024, Auburn was ranked No. 1 in the NCAA men's basketball Power 37 rankings.
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The team's coaches
The Auburn Tigers' men's basketball team's success is largely attributed to its head coach, Bruce Alan Pearl. Pearl was born on March 18, 1960, and has been a college basketball coach for several teams, including Tennessee, Milwaukee, and Southern Indiana, before joining Auburn. Pearl has an impressive record in Division I, with his teams winning four conference championships and four conference tournament championships. They have also qualified for eleven NCAA tournament appearances and two Final Fours. Pearl was named Division II Coach of the Year in 1995 and Division I Coach of the Year by Sporting News in 2006. He received the Adolph Rupp Cup in 2008.
Pearl was appointed as Auburn's 20th head basketball coach in 2014, and he has since led the team to significant achievements. In 2019, Pearl guided Auburn to its second SEC tournament championship and its first Sweet Sixteen appearance in 16 years. The team then went on to defeat top-seeded teams, advancing to the Final Four for the first time in the school's history. Pearl's ability to foster team chemistry, prepare his players for opponents, and believe in their abilities are credited by players like Bryce Brown as key factors in the team's success.
In 2021, Pearl and the Tigers faced NCAA sanctions for violations, resulting in probation and suspension for Pearl. However, the following year, in 2022, Pearl led the Tigers to their first-ever number-one ranking in the AP Poll and an SEC regular-season championship. That year, the Tigers set a program record for regular-season wins. Pearl also guided Auburn power forward Jabari Smith Jr. to become the highest draft pick in program history, selected third overall in the 2022 NBA draft.
Pearl's impact on the Auburn Tigers men's basketball team is undeniable, and his coaching prowess has elevated the team to new heights, including their recent ranking as the number one men's basketball team in the latest Power 37 by NCAA.com.
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The team's players
The Auburn Tigers men's basketball team has been ranked No. 1 in the latest men's basketball Power 37 by NCAA.com. The team has had a successful season, with players like Nate Bittle, Keeshawn Barthelemy, and Bamba putting up impressive numbers.
One of the standout players for Auburn is Johni Broome, who is a frontrunner for the player of the year award. Broome's performance has been key to the team's success, and he is expected to make a significant impact in the upcoming games. Another player to watch is Cooper Flagg, who is a top freshman and is also in the running for the Wooden Award.
The Auburn Tigers have a strong roster with a mix of talented players. However, they will need to replace some key players from the previous season, such as Dylan Cardwell and Miles Kelly. The team has been active in the transfer portal, making roster changes ahead of the 2025-2026 season.
One player to keep an eye on is Tahaad Pettiford, who has declared for the NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility. Pettiford has until May 28 to decide whether to withdraw from the draft or not. The team also includes talented players like Nyzier Fourqurean, who recently filed a lawsuit against the NCAA to gain an extra year of eligibility.
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The team's performance in the 2025 NCAA Tournament
The Auburn Tigers men's basketball team has had a strong showing in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. They entered the tournament ranked as the number one seed, marking their first time achieving this feat. This ranking was well-earned, as the Tigers boasted an impressive 16-5 record in Quadrant 1, giving them at least two more Q1 wins than any other team.
Their success in the 2025 tournament built upon a strong history in the sport. The Auburn Tigers basketball program began in 1906 and has since won six conference regular-season championships and three SEC tournament championships. They have appeared in the NCAA tournament 14 times, including a notable run to the Final Four in 2019.
The Tigers' road to the 2025 tournament was not without its challenges. They faced tough competition, losing to notable teams such as Duke, Florida, Texas A&M, Alabama, and Tennessee. Despite these setbacks, the team demonstrated resilience and maintained their top ranking.
In the tournament itself, the Tigers continued to showcase their skill and determination. They faced tough opponents but managed to avoid any early upsets, benefiting from a favourable bracket that ensured they wouldn't face a comparable team until at least the Sweet 16.
Overall, the Auburn Tigers' performance in the 2025 NCAA Tournament was impressive. They entered the tournament as the number one seed and maintained their strong standing throughout the competition. Their combination of talented players, strategic coaching, and historical momentum contributed to their success, solidifying their place as a dominant force in college basketball.
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The team's home games
The Auburn Tigers men's basketball team has been ranked No. 1 in the NCAA men's basketball Power 37 rankings as of December 2024. This ranking reflects the team's strong performance during the 2024-25 season.
Home games are a crucial aspect of the team's success. The Auburn Tigers play their home games in front of energetic crowds at their home arena, creating a challenging environment for visiting teams. The atmosphere generated by the fans can give the team a significant advantage and boost the players' morale.
Playing at home allows the team to maintain familiar routines and comfort levels, which can enhance their performance. The players are accustomed to their home court, knowing every nuance and detail of the arena, from the layout of the court to the support of the local community. This familiarity can provide a sense of calm and help the players feel more relaxed and confident in their abilities.
The Auburn Tigers' home games also present an opportunity for the team to establish and reinforce their dominance in the region. By consistently performing well and winning their home games, they can solidify their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball. This can further intensify the home-court advantage, as opposing teams may feel intimidated even before stepping onto the court.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Auburn Tigers men's basketball team was ranked No. 1 in the NCAA Power 37 rankings in December 2024. They were also ranked No. 1 for 68 consecutive days leading up to the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
The Auburn Tigers men's basketball team represents Auburn University and competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Division I of the NCAA.
The current head coach is Bruce Pearl, who became the Tigers' 20th head coach in 2014. Previous coaches include Joel Eaves, Sonny Smith, and Cliff Ellis.
The Auburn Tigers play their home games at the Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama, which has a seating capacity of 9,121, making it the smallest men's basketball arena in the SEC. The arena was initially named Auburn Arena but was renamed in 2022.
