The accolades keep rolling in for Auburn basketball during what is shaping up to be a historic season. Head coach Bruce Pearl has been named to the ‘2025 Werner Ladder Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year Watch List,’ a recognition of his remarkable leadership and the Tigers’ dominance this year.
Under Pearl’s guidance, Auburn has achieved an extraordinary 14 Quadrant 1 wins, a feat that underscores the strength of their schedule and the resilience of his team. Pearl himself described the slate as “by far the toughest schedule in Auburn Basketball history and probably in my 29 years of being a head coach.” Despite navigating challenging events such as the Maui Invitational and the SEC/ACC Challenge, Pearl has propelled his team to the top of the AP Poll for nearly two months—the longest streak in program history.
Auburn’s consistency has not only earned national acclaim but also respect from the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. The Tigers were unanimously named the top overall seed in the committee’s initial bracket projection, with one member stating Auburn’s résumé made the decision “one of the easiest” in recent memory.
Pearl’s success isn’t just about numbers; his ability to develop talent has been a key factor. Senior forward Johni Broome has emerged as a National Player of the Year contender, thanks in part to the offensive system Pearl has implemented. Meanwhile, freshman Tahaad Pettiford has flourished under Pearl’s guidance, becoming one of the most impactful rookies in college basketball. Role players like Chris Moore have also stepped up, showcasing the depth and versatility of Auburn’s roster.
Pearl is one of 15 coaches named to the Naismith Watch List, joining fellow SEC leaders Dennis Gates (Missouri) and Todd Golden (Florida). Other notable names include Rick Pitino (St. John’s), Greg Gard (Wisconsin), and Ben McCollum (Drake).
This honor is yet another testament to Pearl’s ability to elevate Auburn basketball to new heights. With March Madness on the horizon, the Tigers appear poised for a deep tournament run, adding further intrigue to Pearl’s candidacy for Coach of the Year honors.
