Auburn's men's basketball program is buzzing after a surprising run to the NIT Final Four, a milestone that has put the Tigers back on the national radar.
A Coach's Journey
Brian Kloman, the general manager of Auburn men's basketball, grew up with a basketball coach for a father, a background that sparked his lifelong love for the game.
His early years at Tennessee, where he served as a student assistant and support staffer before Bruce Pearl's arrival, gave him a front‑row seat to a culture that prizes relational chemistry over mere transactions.
The International Edge
Kloman has made international recruiting a cornerstone of his strategy, believing that Auburn's welcoming environment offers safety and community for players from abroad.
The return of backcourt stalwarts Kevin Overton and Tahaad Pettiford for the 2026‑27 season adds depth and experience, reinforcing the team's ambition to compete at the highest level.
In a typical morning, Kloman can make as many as 25 phone calls, navigating the complexities of the NIL landscape and revenue‑share agreements that now shape college basketball.
Culture and Chemistry
Beyond X's and O's, Kloman stresses teamwork, love among teammates, and the importance of "winning the margins" — whether that means improving blocked‑shot numbers or trimming turnover percentages.
Bruce Pearl once reminded the staff that relational triumphs outshine transactional gains, urging them to spend time together and build genuine camaraderie.
The result, he says, is a squad that not only aims to please its fans but also to construct the best possible team for the future.