Auburn Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker: Who’s In, Out Following the 2024-25 Season
As the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball program turns the page on a thrilling 2024-2025 season, marked by strong performances and a Final Four appearance, the team’s focus has shifted toward roster adjustments for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. With the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball, the transfer portal has become a critical component of team building. Auburn, under head coach Bruce Pearl, is no exception as it seeks to bolster its lineup for the next campaign.
In this article, we’ll track the key players who have entered or exited the transfer portal, and highlight the transfers and returning players expected to make a significant impact in the Tigers’ quest for another successful season.
Incoming Transfers: A New Look for Auburn
The Tigers’ coaching staff has been aggressive in the transfer portal, securing several key players who bring both experience and potential to the team. The following players are expected to make an immediate impact for Auburn.
Keyshawn Hall (Forward)
- Previous School: University of Central Florida (UCF)
- 2024-25 Stats: Averaged 18.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.
- Notable Achievement: Led the Big 12 in scoring during the 2024-2025 season, demonstrating his ability to be a go-to scorer.
- Announcement Date: Committed to Auburn on March 28, 2025.
Keyshawn Hall, a dynamic forward from UCF, is expected to become one of Auburn’s primary scoring options in 2025-2026. His ability to fill it up from anywhere on the floor makes him a major asset, especially after the team lost several key frontcourt players.
Abdul Bashir (Forward)
- Previous School: Casper College (Wyoming)
- Announcement Date: Committed to Auburn on April 3, 2025.
Bashir brings a lot of size and versatility to the Auburn lineup. As a physical forward with strong rebounding skills, he will help fill the void left by departing forwards. His scoring ability, combined with his defensive prowess, will make him a key contributor in the Tigers’ rotation next season.
Kaden Magwood (Guard)
- Previous School: Combine Academy (North Carolina)
- Announcement Date: Committed to Auburn on April 3, 2025.
Magwood, a highly touted guard from the Combine Academy, is expected to be a sharp addition to Auburn’s backcourt. With his combination of size, athleticism, and ball-handling, he could bring a significant scoring presence alongside Auburn’s other guards. His decision to transfer to Auburn gives the Tigers an added weapon as they look to replace some of the perimeter scoring that may have been lost in the off-season.
Sebastian Williams-Adams (Forward)
- Previous School: St. John’s High School (Texas)
- Announcement Date: Committed to Auburn on April 3, 2025.
Williams-Adams adds depth to Auburn’s forward position and could be a future star for the Tigers. His strong fundamentals and high basketball IQ make him a highly regarded recruit. He has the potential to develop into a key player for Auburn, especially as the team looks to shore up its frontcourt after the losses of veterans.
Simon Walker (Guard)
- Previous School: Huntsville High School (Alabama)
- Announcement Date: Committed to Auburn on April 3, 2025.
As a local product, Simon Walker’s commitment to Auburn adds an extra layer of excitement to the Tigers’ roster. His skill set, marked by explosive athleticism and playmaking ability, makes him a perfect fit in Auburn’s up-tempo offense. He could provide an immediate boost off the bench and develop into a valuable rotation player in the years to come.
Outgoing Transfers: Key Departures
As much as Auburn has added talent through the transfer portal, the program has also seen a number of players leave. These departures will certainly have an impact on the team’s composition moving forward.
Jahki Howard (Forward)
- Announcement Date: Entered the transfer portal on April 7, 2025.
Howard’s departure from Auburn comes as a bit of a surprise, as he was expected to be a key piece in the Tigers’ rotation next season. As a versatile forward, Howard showcased flashes of promise during his time at Auburn but opted to pursue opportunities elsewhere. His exit leaves a noticeable gap in Auburn’s frontcourt, which will need to be addressed through recruiting or further transfer additions.
Tahaad Pettiford (Guard)
- Announcement Date: Declared for the NBA Draft on April 7, 2025, while maintaining college eligibility.
Pettiford’s decision to declare for the NBA Draft is a significant one for Auburn. While he retains the option of returning to college, his departure creates uncertainty in the Tigers’ backcourt. Pettiford’s decision was likely influenced by his solid performances during the 2024-2025 season, and many scouts believe he has the potential to make a jump to the professional ranks. His decision will be closely monitored, as his return could dramatically impact Auburn’s offensive flow.
Chris Moore (Forward)
- Announcement Date: Entered the transfer portal on April 7, 2025.
Moore’s departure adds to the void in Auburn’s frontcourt. A solid, experienced player who contributed defensively and on the boards, Moore’s decision to leave leaves the Tigers without a reliable forward who could stretch the floor and provide veteran leadership. His exit will force Auburn to reload in the frontcourt to stay competitive in the SEC.
Denver Jones (Guard)
- Announcement Date: Entered the transfer portal on April 7, 2025.
Denver Jones’ departure is a blow to Auburn’s backcourt depth. A player known for his scoring ability, Jones was a consistent contributor and could have been a key asset for the Tigers next season. His decision to enter the transfer portal will leave a significant gap in Auburn’s rotation, especially on the perimeter.
Dylan Cardwell (Center)
- Announcement Date: Entered the transfer portal on April 7, 2025.
As a center with valuable experience, Cardwell’s departure leaves a sizeable hole in Auburn’s frontline. His shot-blocking and rebounding abilities were important components of Auburn’s defense, and his exit could have a profound impact on the team’s interior defense. The Tigers will need to recruit or develop new players to replicate Cardwell’s contributions in the post.
Ja’Heim Hudson (Forward)
- Announcement Date: Entered the transfer portal on April 7, 2025.
Hudson’s decision to leave Auburn adds to the Tigers’ frontcourt challenges. Known for his energy and hustle, Hudson played an important role in Auburn’s system, especially on the defensive end. His departure further complicates the team’s search for depth in the forward position.
JP Pegues (Guard)
- Announcement Date: Entered the transfer portal on April 7, 2025.
Pegues, who showed potential during his time at Auburn, has chosen to leave the program. His departure leaves the Tigers with fewer options in the backcourt, particularly in terms of playmaking and scoring. Auburn will need to address this gap, either through the transfer portal or recruiting, to maintain a competitive lineup.
Miles Kelly (Guard)
- Announcement Date: Entered the transfer portal on April 7, 2025.
Kelly’s decision to leave Auburn was another surprise, as he showed flashes of brilliance throughout the 2024-2025 season. As a guard capable of scoring in multiple ways, his departure will impact Auburn’s perimeter offense. The Tigers will need to reload in the backcourt to replace Kelly’s ability to stretch the defense and contribute offensively.
Returning Players with Eligibility
While the Tigers have seen several players depart, they also retain some key talent. Auburn’s returning players, combined with the incoming transfers, should help ensure that the program remains competitive.
AD Scott (Forward)
- Status: Expected to return for his final season, utilizing the NCAA’s blanket waiver for extra eligibility.
AD Scott is one of the team’s most experienced players and will provide leadership and stability in the frontcourt. His return is vital to Auburn’s chances of staying competitive in the SEC.
Chad Baker-Mazara (Guard/Forward)
- Status: Expected to return for his final season, utilizing the NCAA’s blanket waiver for extra eligibility.
Baker-Mazara, who has been a versatile contributor for Auburn, will be crucial to the team’s success next season. His ability to play multiple positions and contribute both offensively and defensively will be invaluable.
Chaney Johnson (Forward)
- Status: Expected to return for his final season, utilizing the NCAA’s blanket waiver for extra eligibility.
Johnson’s physicality and rebounding ability will be important assets for Auburn’s frontcourt. His leadership on and off the court will also be a key factor in the team’s success next season.
Analysis: The Road Ahead for Auburn
With the 2024-2025 season behind them, the Auburn Tigers have a lot of work ahead to ensure they remain competitive in the SEC. While the program has lost several key players to the transfer portal, the Tigers have also added several strong recruits and transfers who could contribute immediately.
The departures of players like Dylan Cardwell and Chris Moore will be difficult to replace, especially in terms of leadership and defensive prowess. However, the additions of transfers such as Keyshawn Hall and Abdul Bashir, alongside local talent like Simon Walker, will bolster Auburn’s lineup and provide much-needed depth.
Bruce Pearl and his coaching staff will likely continue to adjust the roster as the season progresses, and the transfer portal will remain a critical component of their strategy. With a blend of experienced players and talented newcomers, Auburn’s future looks promising, and the Tigers are sure to remain a contender in the SEC as they move into the 2025-2026 season.
Leave a Reply