Auburn Eager to Stick Around March Madness More Than Just 1 Game This Time Around

March Madness. The very name evokes excitement, chaos, and a sense of unpredictability, characteristics that have defined the NCAA Tournament for decades. Each year, 68 college basketball teams vie for the coveted national championship, with upsets, buzzer-beaters, and Cinderella stories captivating fans from coast to coast. For many teams, the dream is to not just make it to the tournament but to stick around for as long as possible. The Auburn Tigers, a program with a relatively recent resurgence on the national stage, are one of those teams eager to go beyond the first weekend of the tournament. After several years of disappointing early exits, Auburn has its eyes firmly set on advancing further and making a statement in the 2025 edition of March Madness.

The Tigers have experienced several highs and lows in recent NCAA tournaments, but the common theme has been the desire to improve and establish themselves as a legitimate contender year after year. With the 2025 season well underway, Auburn finds itself at a crossroads: will this be the year they shed the reputation of being a one-and-done team, or will they once again falter in the opening rounds? The optimism surrounding the program is palpable, and a deep run in March Madness is on the minds of both the players and their passionate fanbase.

The Rise of Auburn Basketball: From Obscurity to National Contender

Before we dive into Auburn’s aspirations for March Madness, it’s important to understand the journey that led them to this point. Historically, Auburn basketball has not been considered a powerhouse. The program has had its moments of success, but for much of its history, it was overshadowed by dominant teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and other traditional basketball schools across the country. However, in the last decade, Auburn has experienced a dramatic rise to prominence, largely due to the vision and leadership of head coach Bruce Pearl.

Pearl took over as head coach in 2014, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a reputation for revitalizing programs. Under his guidance, Auburn quickly became competitive in the SEC and began making waves on the national scene. The pinnacle of Auburn’s basketball success came in 2019 when they made a historic run to the Final Four. It was the first time in school history that the Tigers had reached such heights, and it was a moment that put Auburn basketball on the map for good.

Despite the loss in the Final Four to Virginia, the Tigers had firmly established themselves as a program to watch. The 2019 run was a culmination of years of hard work and recruiting, and it set the stage for even greater expectations moving forward. While Auburn had some ups and downs in the following seasons, including a surprising early exit in 2021 and a return to the tournament in 2022, the foundation built by Pearl and his staff was undeniable.

The Pressure of Expectations: A New Era of Auburn Basketball

With success comes pressure, and Auburn basketball is no exception. Following the 2019 Final Four appearance, the expectations for the program grew exponentially. Fans who once hoped for a tournament berth now expected deep runs into the second weekend, if not further. The 2025 season has been marked by high expectations once again, and this time, Auburn is determined to prove that it belongs among the elite teams in college basketball.

The program’s recruiting efforts have continued to improve, with Auburn consistently attracting top-tier talent from both the high school ranks and the transfer portal. Players like Jabari Smith, who played a key role in Auburn’s 2021-2022 success, helped raise the profile of the Tigers on a national level. With NBA scouts consistently watching Auburn’s games, it became clear that the program was not just producing talented players but also developing them into NBA-caliber athletes.

This year’s roster is no exception. With a combination of experienced upperclassmen and dynamic underclassmen, Auburn is once again poised to make a run in the NCAA Tournament. The roster includes several future NBA prospects, which only adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the team.

The Key Players: Who Will Lead Auburn Through March Madness?

Auburn’s success in March Madness will largely depend on the performances of several key players. While the team is well-rounded, there are a few standouts who have the potential to take the Tigers deep into the tournament.

1. Wendell Green Jr.
Auburn’s point guard, Wendell Green Jr., is arguably one of the most important players on the roster. His ability to facilitate the offense, create plays for his teammates, and score when necessary will be critical in Auburn’s tournament run. Green has shown the ability to rise to the occasion in big moments, and his leadership on the floor will be vital for the Tigers’ success in March. He has the poise and experience needed to handle the pressure of the tournament and make sure Auburn stays on track.

2. Johni Broome
Johni Broome, Auburn’s standout big man, is another player to watch closely. A transfer from Morehead State, Broome has made an immediate impact for Auburn, providing a physical presence in the paint and adding scoring ability to the Tigers’ frontcourt. His rebounding, shot-blocking, and ability to score in the post will be invaluable for Auburn, especially against teams with strong inside games. Broome’s versatility also allows him to step out and hit mid-range shots, making him a matchup nightmare for opponents.

3. Allen Flanigan
Allen Flanigan is one of the most experienced players on the roster, having been with the program for several years. Flanigan is known for his all-around game, and his leadership will be crucial in the tournament. He has a knack for making timely plays on both ends of the floor and can contribute in multiple areas, from scoring to defense. Auburn will need Flanigan to step up and be a steadying force, particularly when the games get tight in March.

4. Chris Moore
Chris Moore is another player whose development has been key to Auburn’s success this season. A strong and athletic forward, Moore’s ability to guard multiple positions and score in transition makes him an important piece of Auburn’s puzzle. He has the potential to be a difference-maker on the defensive end, and if he can contribute offensively as well, Auburn’s chances of advancing will improve significantly.

The Path to March Madness: Navigating the SEC and Beyond

The SEC has traditionally been more known for its football prowess than its basketball success, but in recent years, the conference has become one of the premier basketball leagues in the country. Auburn, along with teams like Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky, has helped elevate the SEC’s profile on the national stage.

Throughout the regular season, Auburn will have to navigate a grueling schedule in one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball. Each game in the SEC is a challenge, with top-tier programs and talented players throughout the league. For Auburn, the goal will be to not only perform well in conference play but to secure a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

A high seed is critical in March Madness, as it can make the difference between a deep run and an early exit. The higher a team’s seed, the better its chances of avoiding tough matchups in the opening rounds. Auburn knows that a strong showing in the SEC Tournament will only enhance its resume and improve its seeding in the big dance.

The March Madness Mentality: How Auburn Can Avoid Early Exits

One of the key reasons Auburn has struggled to make deep runs in March Madness in recent years is the tendency to falter in close games or against teams that present unique challenges. In 2021, for example, Auburn was knocked out in the first round of the tournament by a tough Houston team. While the Tigers were undoubtedly talented, they couldn’t quite put it all together when it mattered most.

To avoid similar early exits this time around, Auburn will need to focus on several key factors:

1. Mental Toughness:
March Madness is as much about mental fortitude as it is about talent. The teams that advance deep into the tournament are often the ones that can handle the pressure, stay focused, and not get rattled in high-stress situations. Auburn will need to cultivate a resilient mindset and be able to bounce back from adversity, whether it’s a bad call, a scoring drought, or a tough opponent.

2. Defensive Consistency:
Auburn has been known for its defensive intensity under Bruce Pearl, and this will be crucial in March Madness. The Tigers must maintain a high level of defensive consistency, especially against teams with explosive offenses. Their ability to lock down on defense and force turnovers will create easy scoring opportunities and take pressure off their offense.

3. Turnover Management:
Turnovers can be a killer in March Madness. In high-pressure games, mistakes are magnified, and teams that can protect the ball are often the ones that advance. Auburn will need to ensure that they are disciplined with their ball handling and limit unnecessary turnovers, particularly against teams that thrive on fast breaks and transition points.

4. Depth and Rotation:
March Madness is a long tournament, and teams that go far often need depth. Auburn’s bench players will need to step up and contribute when called upon. The ability to rotate fresh legs in and out will be key, especially in tight, high-energy games.

 Auburn’s Time to Shine

As Auburn enters the 2025 NCAA Tournament, the program is more eager than ever to prove that it can go beyond just one game. With a talented roster, strong leadership, and the experience of past tournaments, the Tigers are primed for a deep run in March Madness. If Auburn can stay focused, execute its game plan, and avoid the mistakes that have cost them in previous years, they have the potential to make a serious push for a national title.

For Auburn basketball, the goal is clear: it’s time to stick around in March Madness for more than just one game. Whether they can achieve that dream will depend on their ability to play their best when it matters most and to show the world that they are a program worthy of national recognition. The road to the Final Four and beyond is challenging, but if anyone has proven that they can rise to the occasion, it’s Auburn. The Tigers are ready to roar again.