Tahaad Pettiford is a freshman guard for the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball team, currently making significant contributions in the NCAA Tournament. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 175 pounds, Pettiford hails from Jersey City, New Jersey, and graduated from Hudson Catholic Regional High School in 2024.
As a high school senior, Pettiford averaged 20 points, five assists, and two steals per game. He achieved a career-high 43 points in a victory over Memorial High School, surpassing the 1,000-point milestone for his career. His performance earned him a spot in the 2024 McDonald’s High School All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic.
Transitioning to college, Pettiford has been a pivotal sixth man for Auburn, averaging 11.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game over 30 games. He boasts shooting percentages of 43.3% from the field, 38.5% from three-point range, and 80.9% from the free-throw line.
In the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Pettiford has delivered standout performances, including a 23-point, six-rebound, and three-assist game against Creighton. He also played a crucial role in Auburn’s comeback victory over Michigan in the Sweet 16, contributing significantly in the second half.
Pettiford’s dynamic playstyle, characterized by his speed, scoring ability, and playmaking skills, has drawn attention from NBA scouts. He is considered a potential candidate for the 2025 NBA Draft, with analysts highlighting his three-point shooting, floaters, and defensive tenacity as key aspects of his game.
For a closer look at Pettiford’s skills, you can watch highlights from his performance against Creighton: