Tahaad Pettiford, the standout guard for Auburn University, is set to return for his junior season, according to sources. The 6-foot-1 point guard from New Jersey was a pivotal player in Auburn's journey to the Final Four during his freshman year and played a significant role in their NIT championship victory. In his sophomore season, Pettiford averaged 15.4 points and 3.8 assists while showcasing his ability to perform in high-stakes games, including scoring 27 points against St. John's, 30 points against Arizona, and 28 points in the SEC tournament against Tennessee. His return is expected to bolster the team's lineup under new head coach Steven Pearl, who has retained Pettiford along with starting guard Kevin Overton and forward Sebastian Williams-Adams. However, the team will also face adjustments with several players entering the transfer portal and two starters, Keyshawn Hall and KeShawn Murphy, finishing their eligibility.