Bruce Pearl would love to see explosive guard back at Auburn for his sophomore season—but only if it’s the best move for the NBA prospect.
Top star has been putting on a show this week for scouts at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, making his basketball future uncertain. After averaging 11.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while helping the Tigers reach the Final Four as a freshman, the question remains: will top prospect return to Auburn for another season, or will the potential NBA payday convince him to turn pro?
Speaking to reporters, Pearl said top stars decision should come in the next couple of weeks.
“If he has an opportunity to go in the first round, he should go. He’s been overlooked his whole life because he’s 6-foot tall. We’ll get really good information from the NBA. When you sign your first contract, you have a chance to get rich. He won’t leave (Auburn) unless he’s in a really good spot,” Pearl explained.
Pettiford was impossible to overlook in Chicago. He showcased an impressive 6-foot-5½ wingspan and an 8-foot standing reach. On top of that, his 42-inch vertical leap ranked among the highest at the Combine. But it wasn’t just the raw numbers—he also shined in a 5-on-5 game, putting up 23 points and 8 assists.
ESPN insider Jeff Givony included the 6-foot-1, 175-pound guard from Jersey City, N.J., on his list of “players that stood out” at the Combine.
Over the next few weeks, Pettiford will have to decide whether to enter the NBA Draft or return to Auburn for another year under Bruce Pearl. He has until May 28 to withdraw from the draft. The NBA Draft is scheduled for June 25 in Brooklyn.