2025 SEC Tournament: Previewing Auburn Basketball’s Title Defense in Nashville

The 2025 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament is set to take place from March 12-16, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, and with it, Auburn’s hopes of successfully defending their title from the previous season. In 2024, Auburn shocked the basketball world by claiming the SEC Tournament championship, defeating some of the league’s most formidable teams along the way. With the stakes higher than ever, Auburn enters the tournament in 2025 looking to prove that their championship run wasn’t just a one-off, but a sign of sustained success. But as with any conference tournament, the road ahead will be challenging, as the SEC is loaded with talented teams, and Auburn’s squad will need to be at their best to replicate their previous success.

This year, Auburn comes into the SEC Tournament with a team that has a blend of experienced players, emerging stars, and a coaching staff that has continued to impress since Bruce Pearl took over the program. Pearl, known for his high-energy style and defensive-minded strategies, will be looking to repeat his 2024 success and continue Auburn’s rise as one of the premier programs in the SEC and college basketball at large.

Auburn’s Path to Defend the Title

To understand how Auburn can defend their SEC Tournament title in 2025, it’s important to first look at how they managed to win the title in 2024. Auburn’s 2024 championship run was a testament to their resilience, depth, and ability to play well in high-pressure situations. They were able to overcome teams like Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama, all of whom were considered among the favorites to win the tournament.

Auburn’s path to victory wasn’t easy, but it highlighted their ability to handle adversity. This year, the Tigers have similar challenges in front of them, with a league filled with talented teams. However, there are several factors that could work in Auburn’s favor as they seek to defend their title in 2025.

1. Coaching: Bruce Pearl’s Leadership

Bruce Pearl’s tenure at Auburn has been marked by sustained success, and he has proven to be one of the most successful and passionate coaches in the SEC. His fiery attitude and ability to motivate his players have turned Auburn into a perennial contender, and the 2024 SEC Tournament title was a testament to his coaching acumen. Pearl’s ability to make adjustments, exploit matchups, and keep his team focused on the task at hand will be crucial if Auburn is to defend their title in 2025.

Pearl’s teams are known for their aggressive defense, fast-paced offense, and high basketball IQ. These elements were key in Auburn’s 2024 championship run, and they will be critical again in 2025. Pearl has cultivated a culture of winning at Auburn, and his leadership will be key in ensuring the Tigers are ready to face any challenges that come their way in Nashville.

2. Auburn’s Offensive and Defensive Identity

Auburn’s offensive and defensive identity has remained consistent under Bruce Pearl, and it is a big part of why the Tigers have been successful in recent years. In 2024, Auburn was known for their ability to score in transition, hit three-pointers, and dominate the paint. They also had a stifling defense that forced turnovers and created fast-break opportunities. For Auburn to defend their title, they will need to continue to excel in these areas.

On the offensive side, Auburn will need their key players to step up and make plays. The Tigers will rely heavily on their perimeter shooting and their ability to get to the basket. The team’s fast-paced offense is designed to push the tempo and make opposing defenses uncomfortable, something that proved effective during their 2024 championship run.

Defensively, Auburn has long been known for its aggressive, in-your-face style. Pearl’s defense puts pressure on opposing ball handlers, traps in the half court, and forces turnovers. Auburn’s defense is designed to turn defense into offense, and that will be crucial in a high-stakes tournament environment like the SEC Tournament.

3. Key Players to Watch

While Auburn has a strong overall team, the 2025 SEC Tournament will likely come down to the performances of a few key players. These players will need to step up and deliver big performances, just as they did in 2024. Here are the key players to watch in 2025:

Wendell Green Jr.
Wendell Green Jr. is one of the standout players for Auburn in 2025. The junior point guard has developed into one of the top playmakers in the SEC. Green’s ability to control the tempo of the game and create opportunities for his teammates will be essential to Auburn’s success in Nashville. His scoring ability, leadership, and experience in big games make him a player to watch as Auburn looks to defend their SEC Tournament title.

Allen Flanigan
Allen Flanigan, a senior forward, has been a crucial part of Auburn’s lineup for several seasons. His experience and versatility make him an invaluable asset for the Tigers. Flanigan can score inside, hit from the perimeter, and provide strong defense. His ability to contribute in all areas of the game will be vital for Auburn in the SEC Tournament, especially in tight games where leadership and experience matter the most.

Johni Broome
Johni Broome is a sophomore who emerged as one of Auburn’s most reliable players during their 2024 championship run. Broome is a skilled big man who can score in the paint, rebound effectively, and block shots. His physicality in the paint is a key element of Auburn’s defense and offense, and he will be crucial for the Tigers as they look to dominate the inside against some of the best big men in the SEC.

Zep Jasper
Zep Jasper, a senior guard, has been a steady presence for Auburn since transferring to the program. His leadership, basketball IQ, and ability to knock down big shots will be important for Auburn in clutch situations during the SEC Tournament. Jasper’s perimeter shooting and defensive prowess make him a key player to watch in 2025.

4. The Competition: A Loaded SEC Field

While Auburn enters the SEC Tournament as defending champions, the competition in the SEC is fierce. Teams like Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas have all had strong seasons and will provide a tough test for the Tigers in Nashville. Let’s take a closer look at some of Auburn’s biggest challengers in the tournament.

Alabama
Alabama has been one of the best teams in the SEC this season and will be a top contender for the SEC Tournament title. With a high-powered offense led by talented guards and a tough defense, Alabama will be a team Auburn needs to be wary of. The Crimson Tide’s ability to shoot the three and their depth across the roster make them a formidable opponent.

Kentucky
Kentucky has been in the hunt for an SEC title once again in 2025, and the Wildcats have some of the most talented players in the conference. With a roster full of five-star recruits and a coaching staff led by John Calipari, Kentucky is always a threat in postseason play. Auburn will need to match Kentucky’s physicality and keep their composure in what will likely be a high-intensity matchup.

Tennessee
Tennessee is another team that Auburn will have to contend with in 2025. The Volunteers have one of the best defenses in the SEC and a balanced offense that can score in multiple ways. Tennessee’s tough, physical style of play could pose problems for Auburn, especially if the Tigers struggle to execute on offense.

Arkansas
Arkansas, under head coach Eric Musselman, has developed into a dangerous team capable of making a deep run in the SEC Tournament. The Razorbacks’ athleticism and ability to defend at a high level make them a tough matchup for any team. Auburn will need to be at their best to contain Arkansas’ dynamic playmakers.

5. What’s at Stake for Auburn?

For Auburn, defending their SEC Tournament title is not just about adding another trophy to the collection—it’s about solidifying their status as a premier program in college basketball. A second consecutive SEC Tournament championship would prove that Auburn is no fluke and that their success under Bruce Pearl is sustainable.

Furthermore, Auburn’s success in the SEC Tournament could have significant implications for their seeding in the NCAA Tournament. A deep run in Nashville could bolster their resume and improve their position in the bracket. The Tigers will be looking to make a statement in the SEC Tournament, both for their own program and for the college basketball world at large.

Auburn enters the 2025 SEC Tournament with high expectations, a talented roster, and a proven coach in Bruce Pearl. While defending their title will not be easy, Auburn has the pieces in place to make a deep run in Nashville. With key players like Wendell Green Jr., Allen Flanigan, Johni Broome, and Zep Jasper leading the charge, Auburn will look to build on their 2024 success and secure another championship. However, the competition will be fierce, and Auburn will need to be at their best to overcome the challenges posed by teams like Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas.

For Auburn, the 2025 SEC Tournament is more than just an opportunity to defend a title—it’s a chance to cement their place as one of the top programs in the nation and continue their rise to the top of college basketball. The road to another SEC Tournament championship will be difficult, but with their mix of experienced players, emerging stars, and a coach who knows how to win in March, Auburn is ready to defend their crown in Nashville.