A Fresh Look for the Tigers
Auburn’s basketball program is buzzing with anticipation as the 2025 season approaches. Jon Rothstein’s preseason top‑50 poll placed the Tigers at No. 44, a respectable spot that reflects both the team’s recent NIT run and the optimism surrounding a refreshed roster.
The campaign kicks off on October 14, and the coaching staff has emphasized depth, especially at the big‑man positions. After last year’s NIT run, the squad had to overhaul most of its lineup, retaining only two major contributors: point guard Tahaad Pettiford and forward Kevin Overton.
Overton’s impact was highlighted when he earned the 2025 NIT Most Outstanding Player award, underscoring his role as a cornerstone for the team. His experience, combined with Pettiford’s playmaking, provides a solid foundation for a group that expects to compete fiercely in the SEC.
Depth at the frontcourt is a particular focus. The Tigers will field two seven‑footers — Narcisse Ngoy, a 7‑foot big man from France, and Bukky Oboye, who also stands at 6‑10. Complementing them is Mantas Rubstavicius, a 6‑6 powerhouse guard from Lithuania, adding versatility and scoring punch.
International flavor extends beyond the big men. Both Rubstavicius and Ngoy bring distinct skill sets that could reshape Auburn’s offensive schemes. Their arrivals signal a recruiting strategy that looks beyond domestic talent pools, aiming to blend global experience with the program’s tradition.
The Tigers missed the NCAA Tournament in 2025, a setback that has fueled a determined mindset heading into the new season. With a blend of returning veterans, a standout MOP, and promising newcomers, Auburn hopes to translate its preseason optimism into a deeper postseason run.