Auburn basketball head coach Bruce Pearl confirmed on Monday that freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford has suffered a significant injury, delivering tough news for Tigers fans just ahead of critical summer workouts.
Pearl revealed that Pettiford, a highly touted member of Auburn’s 2024 recruiting class, sustained a lower-body injury during a recent offseason training session. While the full extent of the injury is still being evaluated, initial reports suggest that Pettiford could miss a substantial portion of Auburn’s summer preparation and potentially the start of the 2024–25 season.
“We’re disappointed for Tahaad,” Pearl said in a statement. “He’s an incredible young man who has worked extremely hard since arriving on campus. Our medical staff is doing everything they can to support him, and we are hopeful for a full recovery. But it’s definitely a setback.”
Pettiford, a former 5-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, was expected to make an immediate impact for the Tigers with his explosive scoring ability and quickness at the guard position. His injury forces Auburn to reassess its backcourt rotation heading into a season with high expectations.
Pearl did not offer a specific timetable for Pettiford’s return but indicated that the team would take a cautious approach.
“We’re going to be patient,” Pearl added. “His long-term health and career are the priority.”
Auburn fans had eagerly anticipated seeing Pettiford team up with fellow freshman Jahki Howard and veteran leader Aden Holloway. Now, Pearl and his staff may need to lean even more heavily on their returning players while Pettiford works his way back to full strength.
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