The Auburn Tigers earned the No. 1 overall seed in this year’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, but the players say their success is due to something more than hard work or strategy

The Auburn Tigers’ ascent to earning the No. 1 overall seed in the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has been nothing short of remarkable. Under the leadership of Bruce Pearl, Auburn has transformed from a respected program to a powerhouse in college basketball, with players and coaches alike attributing their success to something far deeper than just strategy, X’s and O’s, or even sheer talent. For Auburn, the heart of their success goes beyond simple hard work or detailed game plans; it’s rooted in team chemistry, selfless commitment, culture, and a shared belief in one another.

While many programs talk about the importance of “buying into the system,” Auburn has built something truly special. Their rise to the top of the NCAA tournament standings is the product of not just meticulous planning and talented individuals, but the intangible qualities that bring the players and coaching staff together—qualities that set Auburn apart from many of the other teams in this year’s March Madness field.

A Culture of Selflessness and Brotherhood

One of the first things that stands out when you watch Auburn play is their collective mindset. There’s an unspoken understanding on the court that no one player is bigger than the team. Whether it’s Jabari Smith, Walker Kessler, or a role player stepping up in a key moment, the Tigers embody a selfless approach to the game.

This team-first mentality can be traced back to Bruce Pearl‘s leadership and the way he has shaped Auburn’s program since taking over in 2014. Pearl is known for his dynamic coaching style, but what truly sets him apart is his ability to cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect and camaraderie. For Auburn’s players, it’s not just about competing for personal accolades; it’s about representing something bigger than themselves—the Auburn basketball family.

“Coach Pearl always emphasizes that we’re not just teammates; we’re brothers,” said Walker Kessler, Auburn’s towering center and defensive anchor. “We don’t play for ourselves. We play for each other, for the fans, and for the Auburn community. When you have that kind of bond, it makes everything else on the court flow.”

Indeed, Auburn’s success begins with their culture of unwavering support for one another. On the floor, the Tigers’ chemistry is palpable: quick passes, smart cuts, and players willing to sacrifice their individual stats for the greater good of the team. This collective approach makes Auburn more than the sum of its parts.

The Leadership of Bruce Pearl

If Auburn’s success is a collective effort, the glue that holds everything together is undoubtedly Bruce Pearl. As the head coach, Pearl’s infectious energy and passion for the game have not only fueled the team’s rise to the top, but have also created a culture that celebrates family, togetherness, and belief. Pearl is often seen as a larger-than-life personality, but it’s his ability to connect with players on a personal level that makes him such an effective coach.

“I’ve been around a lot of coaches, but Coach Pearl is different,” said Jabari Smith, Auburn’s star forward and NBA lottery prospect. “He doesn’t just care about how we play on the court; he cares about who we are as men, as people. When you have a coach who truly believes in you and knows how to get the best out of you, it makes a huge difference.”

Pearl’s coaching philosophy centers around creating an environment where players are encouraged to express themselves, play freely, and support each other both on and off the court. He’s often seen joking with his players, pushing them to be their best, but always with a focus on mutual respect and encouragement. This approach fosters not only confidence but also accountability among the team.

The result has been a program where players consistently rise to the occasion and buy into a vision that’s bigger than individual success. Auburn’s top players have repeatedly credited Pearl for helping them elevate their games—not just by honing their basketball skills, but by helping them embrace their roles and make sacrifices for the good of the team.

Building a Championship-Level Defense

While Auburn’s offense, led by players like Jabari Smith and Sharife Cooper, is dynamic and explosive, it’s their defense that truly sets them apart. The Tigers’ defensive prowess is rooted in the philosophy of tenacious effort and relentless intensity—something the players say is a direct reflection of the trust and belief they have in each other. Auburn’s defense isn’t just about individual skills; it’s about playing as a unified unit where each player knows that the guy next to them has their back.

Auburn’s defensive system is designed around constant ball pressure, switching on screens, and rotating quickly to prevent easy shots. They have one of the best shot-blockers in the country in Walker Kessler, but what makes Auburn’s defense truly unique is their collective ability to close out on shooters, contest shots, and dominate the boards. The Tigers’ suffocating defense is predicated on communication, hustle, and trust—a bond formed through countless hours of practice and preparation.

“We talk a lot on defense,” said Zep Jasper, Auburn’s senior guard. “We all know what we need to do, and we’re all locked in. But the most important thing is that we trust each other. If I make a mistake, I know my teammates will cover for me, and that gives me confidence to keep playing hard.”

Auburn’s defensive statistics speak for themselves: they are ranked among the nation’s top teams in points allowed per game, field goal percentage defense, and steals. Their ability to dominate on the defensive end is a key reason why they’ve been able to rise to the top and stay there throughout the season. But again, it’s the team-first mentality that allows Auburn to succeed defensively—every player knows their role, and every player is willing to make the sacrifice to ensure that the team excels.

The Power of Family and Community

For Auburn, their success goes beyond basketball—it’s about representing the Auburn family. The Tigers are immensely proud of their university and the community that supports them. The bond between the team, the coaching staff, and the fans is something that fuels their on-court energy and commitment. Auburn has cultivated one of the most passionate fan bases in college basketball, and the support they receive from the Auburn family has been a constant source of motivation.

“It’s not just about us,” said K.D. Johnson, a key contributor for Auburn in their tournament run. “We play for our families, our friends, and the fans who’ve been with us every step of the way. Auburn is more than just a school to us. It’s a family. And when you play for something like that, it gives you a lot of pride.”

The Auburn family extends beyond just the basketball court—it’s a community of students, alumni, and fans who all share in the team’s success. The unity that the players feel is evident when they take the court, where they draw energy from the crowd and each other. It’s a cycle of positive reinforcement that permeates every aspect of the program.

Auburn’s Mindset: The Power of Belief

Perhaps the most important factor in Auburn’s success this season is the collective belief in themselves. The Tigers have a mentality that they are not just competing to win games—they are competing to be champions. This belief is ingrained in their approach to every game, practice, and interaction. Whether they’re facing a high-pressure situation or a seemingly insurmountable opponent, Auburn players exude confidence because they trust in their ability to get the job done—together.

“We’ve believed in each other from day one,” said Jabari Smith. “We’ve always known what we’re capable of, and now the world is seeing it. We don’t fear anyone because we know we’re a team, and that makes all the difference.”

This belief isn’t just talk—it’s backed up by Auburn’s resilience in the face of adversity. They’ve faced challenges throughout the season, from tough SEC matchups to close games in the NCAA Tournament, but time and again, the Tigers have found ways to pull together and push forward. They’ve developed the kind of mental toughness that allows them to stay focused and composed, regardless of the circumstances.

Conclusion: More Than Hard Work or Strategy

As Auburn advances through the 2025 NCAA Tournament, it’s clear that their success is built on something more than just hard work, strategy, or individual talent. At its core, Auburn’s rise to the top is driven by a deep-rooted sense of unity, a culture of selflessness, and an unwavering belief in each other. The Tigers have created an environment where personal ego takes a backseat to team success, where defense and trust are paramount, and where every player is committed to the greater good of the team.

The leadership of Bruce Pearl has been integral to cultivating this culture, but it’s the players who have embraced the mindset that has truly allowed Auburn to reach the level of success they’ve achieved. The team’s focus on family, community, and belief in each other has propelled them to the top of the college basketball world, and as the tournament continues, Auburn will be a team to watch closely. Their success isn’t just the product of X’s and O’s—it’s the result of something far more meaningful: a shared purpose, a commitment to one another, and a belief that, together, they are capable of anything.

As Auburn continues their journey through the tournament, it will be their collective spirit, forged in the fires of their team-first mentality, that could ultimately carry them to the ultimate prize: