The Auburn Tigers are poised to make a mark in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, coming in as the top seed after a spectacular regular season. With an impressive 28-5 record, the team has shown its prowess in the fiercely competitive SEC, securing a championship title that speaks volumes about their performance this year. Under head coach Bruce Pearl, the Tigers have not only excelled on the court but also garnered individual accolades, particularly through their standout player, Johni Broome. Named a consensus first-team All-American by major selectors including the AP, USBWA, NABC, and Sporting News, Broome is the first in Auburn history to achieve such status. He has delivered a phenomenal season, averaging 18.9 points per game with a staggering 51.3% field goal percentage, along with 10.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. Broome is undeniably central to Auburn's hopes as they advance further into the tournament.
Auburn made their way to Lexington on March 19, 2025, to prepare for their NCAA opener against Alabama State, a team that has made headlines by winning their First Four game in dramatic fashion. Coach Pearl emphasized the importance of focus and not dwelling on past mistakes, referring to their early exit from last year's tournament as a cautionary tale. He noted the performance against Yale, which led to a disappointing tournament experience last year, highlighting the need for his team to stay grounded: "We talked about our exit from the tournament last year... As a result, we lost the game. Anybody can have that one shining moment."
Pearl’s message was clear: while proud of his team's successes, he wants them to have a short memory. With their sights set on the national championship, he stated, "We are six wins away from achieving what our real goal is, which is to win the national championship." This mindset is crucial as they gear up to face Alabama State at Rupp Arena on March 20, 2025, at 1:50 p.m. CT.
The journey to this point has been paved with hard work and determination, as Pearl pointed out the remarkable depth and talent across the SEC, emphasizing how this year has seen a shift in the balance of power in college basketball. He reflected on the shift in the SEC's approach to recruiting and resources, which has elevated the level of competition in the conference. Auburn's recent losses, while concerning to some, were softened by pearl's acknowledgment that those games were against high-ranked teams: "They didn’t lose to Providence; they lost to three schools that were ranked in the top 10-to-15."
Further adding to the stakes, basketball legend Charles Barkley weighed in on the significance of the postseason for Broome. Barkley proclaimed that if Auburn clinches the championship, Broome could become the greatest player in the program's history. He noted that even their previous Final Four run wouldn't top a national title. As far as he is concerned, winning it all is paramount: "If he can finish the journey, I would say he’s (Broome) the greatest player in Auburn basketball history."
On the court, the momentum is palpable. Auburn experienced an unfortunate setback when senior forward Chris Moore rolled his ankle during their first-round game against Alabama State, raising concerns for the Tigers. Following the injury, head coach Pearl mentioned potential adjustments, indicating that players like Chad Baker-Mazara and Miles Kelly would step up to fill the gap. Fortunately, Moore's injury was described as a sprain, leaving the door open for his possible return should he progress positively.
During the game, Auburn maintained the upper hand, taking an early lead that was briefly challenged by Alabama State. The Hornets managed to pull within four points after a 9-0 run but could not secure the lead as Auburn's defense held strong. With a season full of ups and downs, the Tigers are all too aware of what lies ahead. Pearl remarked, "Take it one game at a time, truly. Defense and rebounding are going to travel. There are going to be some nights we’re going to shoot it really well and some nights we are not going to shoot it well." This strategy aligns with their goal of sustaining success through to the championship.
The 2025 NCAA Tournament represents not just a battle for a trophy, but a chance for Auburn to validate its place within college basketball's elite ranks. Pearl's leadership, Broome's prodigious talent, and a new generation of players are determined to rise to the occasion. The expectations are high, and as they approach each game, the weight of potential glory rests heavily on their shoulders.
