It’s either the NCAA Final Four or nothing for this unique Auburn basketball team.
The Auburn Tigers have long been a competitive force in college basketball, but this year’s team feels different. After a few near-misses in recent seasons, the 2025 Auburn basketball team has captured the attention of fans, analysts, and pundits alike. With a blend of seasoned talent, fiery coaching, and a fearless attitude, Auburn’s aspirations are higher than ever—namely, the NCAA Final Four.
As the team inches closer to the NCAA Tournament, the pressure is mounting. This isn’t just any season for Auburn. After years of laying the foundation, now is the time to break through. For many, the team’s current trajectory feels like a final opportunity to put all the pieces together and take that next step toward college basketball’s ultimate prize: the Final Four.
Auburn’s quest for a historic run in the NCAA Tournament has become a defining storyline of the college basketball season. With key players who have developed into stars, a coach who has already led the program to national prominence, and a fanbase that’s hungry for success, Auburn is poised to make its mark in a way that could set a new standard for the program. But the stakes couldn’t be higher: It’s either the Final Four or nothing for this team.
A Season of High Expectations
Auburn entered the 2024-2025 season with enormous expectations. After a thrilling run in the NCAA Tournament just a few years ago, when they made it to the Final Four in 2019, fans and players alike knew that the next step was critical. The Tigers had been knocking on the door of national glory but had struggled to break through to the next level in recent years.
Head coach Bruce Pearl, who has been at the helm of the Auburn basketball program since 2014, has worked tirelessly to build a championship-caliber team. His leadership and recruitment have elevated Auburn from a competitive SEC team to a nationally relevant powerhouse. However, despite his success, there’s a glaring absence from the Tigers’ resume: a return to the Final Four.
Pearl, known for his fiery energy, tactical acumen, and ability to develop talent, has gotten close with Auburn multiple times, including a heartbreaking loss in the 2019 Final Four to Virginia. But for all of his achievements, an NCAA Championship still eludes him, and for many, this feels like the year that could define his legacy at Auburn.
Pearl’s philosophy is clear: his team must be built on defensive intensity, strong shooting, and an unwavering belief that they can take on any opponent, no matter the stage. His ability to push his players to reach their full potential is evident. But as the regular season winds down, the question that remains is whether the Tigers can finally capture the elusive Final Four berth and move forward into championship contention.
A Roster Built for a Run
One of the standout features of Auburn’s team this year is the balance across their roster. The Tigers have a unique combination of experience, athleticism, and youth that gives them a competitive edge. While they have multiple key players who can step up on any given night, the team’s success largely hinges on the performances of their stars.
Jani Bediako – The Dominant Force in the Paint
Auburn’s frontcourt has been anchored by sophomore Jani Bediako, a force in the paint who has taken his game to new heights this season. Standing at 6’11”, Bediako’s presence in the paint is unlike any other. His ability to block shots, alter opponents’ offensive strategies, and control the boards has been essential to the Tigers’ defensive success. Bediako’s emergence as one of the nation’s top big men has helped Auburn impose its will on both ends of the floor.
Offensively, Bediako has developed a soft touch around the rim and has been a consistent scoring threat. His size and skill allow him to dominate mismatches, particularly against smaller defenders. But what truly makes Bediako invaluable to Auburn is his leadership on the floor. He has become the emotional leader of the team, bringing the intensity and passion that Bruce Pearl demands of his players.
Wendell Green Jr. – The Heart and Soul of the Offense
In addition to Bediako, Auburn’s backcourt features Wendell Green Jr., a junior guard who has grown into one of the top point guards in the SEC. Green’s leadership, playmaking ability, and clutch performances have been crucial to Auburn’s success this season. Known for his ability to create for others, Green has averaged nearly six assists per game, while also being able to take over games when needed, whether it’s knocking down big shots or driving to the basket.
Green is a dynamic player with a unique ability to control the pace of the game. He can lock in defensively, pressuring opposing point guards, and his versatility as a scorer allows Auburn to be unpredictable on offense. His chemistry with Bediako in pick-and-roll situations has been a major factor in the Tigers’ offensive success this year, and it has made them one of the most dangerous teams in the nation.
Alan Flanigan – The Veteran Leader
One of the most experienced players on the Auburn roster is Alan Flanigan, a senior forward who has been through the ups and downs of college basketball and now serves as one of the team’s key leaders. Flanigan is a versatile player who can contribute on both ends of the floor. His ability to defend multiple positions and stretch the floor as a shooter makes him a valuable asset for Auburn.
Flanigan’s leadership on and off the court has been indispensable to the Tigers this season. His experience in high-pressure situations, particularly in big SEC games, has helped steady the team in moments of adversity. With his solid scoring, defense, and leadership, Flanigan’s role will be crucial in Auburn’s tournament run.
The Coaching Philosophy: Bruce Pearl’s Playoff Pedigree
When it comes to postseason basketball, few coaches are better equipped to guide a team through the intensity and pressure than Bruce Pearl. Pearl has already established himself as one of the top coaches in college basketball, but his postseason pedigree is something that has been missing from his otherwise decorated career.
Pearl’s energy is infectious, and his approach to coaching has always been rooted in preparation, discipline, and belief. For Auburn, his ability to get the best out of his players when the stakes are highest will be critical. Pearl is known for pushing the tempo, creating opportunities for his players to exploit mismatches, and motivating his team to outwork and outplay their opponents.
In the SEC Tournament, Pearl’s game planning and ability to make in-game adjustments will be tested. If Auburn is to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, Pearl must find ways to exploit his team’s strengths and counter the strengths of other top-tier programs. His ability to orchestrate his offense, get the best out of his defense, and stay calm under pressure could very well determine Auburn’s fate in March.
The Final Four Dreams: The Path to Glory
While Auburn has all the talent to make a deep run, the road to the NCAA Final Four is always difficult. College basketball is unpredictable, with teams emerging and surprising at every turn. The Tigers are in a loaded SEC, which features teams like Kentucky, Alabama, and Tennessee, all of whom will pose significant challenges during the conference tournament and in the NCAA Tournament.
Auburn’s ability to play tough defense, make key shots in clutch moments, and maintain a high level of intensity will be tested in the tournament’s high-pressure environment. The Tigers will likely have to go through multiple tough opponents, including potentially top-seeded teams that are loaded with future NBA talent. Auburn’s offense, led by Green and Bediako, will need to be balanced and explosive, while their defense will have to stifle high-powered teams who will be looking to dominate in March.
However, Auburn’s biggest challenge may come from within. They need to maintain their confidence and stay focused on the goal. There is no doubt that the Tigers have the talent to win, but it’s a matter of execution and perseverance when the pressure reaches its highest point.
The Final Countdown
For Auburn, this season feels like a culmination of years of hard work, recruiting, and development. It’s a team built for greatness, with the talent, leadership, and coaching to achieve something special. The Tigers’ aspirations are clear: they want to make the Final Four, and they are prepared to do whatever it takes to get there.
The road to the Final Four is never easy, but with the pieces in place, Auburn has a legitimate shot at achieving their ultimate goal. Whether they can get over the hump and finally secure a spot in the Final Four remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2025 Auburn basketball team is a force to be reckoned with. The question is not if they can compete—it’s whether they can rise to the occasion when it matters most. For Auburn, it’s either the Final Four or nothing. And this year, they are determined to make history.
