Breaking News: Auburn Tigers men’s basketball guard Miles Kelly has won the sporting news national player of the year

AUBURN, Ala. – The rise of Miles Kelly has reached its apex. Auburn’s senior guard, once overlooked and underappreciated, now stands atop college basketball after being named the 2025 Sporting News National Player of the Year. It’s a moment of history not only for Kelly but for the entire Auburn Tigers program, marking a turning point that solidifies the school as a basketball powerhouse on the national stage.

Kelly’s dominant season was impossible to ignore. Averaging 21.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game while leading Auburn to a 27–6 record and a deep NCAA Tournament run, he captured the attention of the country with clutch play, fiery leadership, and relentless consistency.

A Historic Honor for Auburn

Miles Kelly becomes the first player in Auburn history to win the prestigious Sporting News award, joining an elite fraternity that includes names like Kevin Durant, Zion Williamson, and Luka Garza. The honor reflects not just individual brilliance but a season that changed the trajectory of Auburn basketball.

“Miles is everything you want in a leader and competitor,” said Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl. “He’s worked for this moment his whole life. He earned it, and he deserves to be mentioned with the best to ever play this game at the college level.”

From Georgia Tech to Auburn Stardom

Kelly’s journey to stardom was anything but straightforward. He began his career at Georgia Tech, where he showed flashes of brilliance but was largely buried on inconsistent teams. After three seasons in Atlanta, Kelly entered the transfer portal in the summer of 2024 with a clear vision: to win—and to do it on a bigger stage.

When he committed to Bruce Pearl’s Tigers, it didn’t just send a ripple through the SEC—it sent a message. Auburn wasn’t rebuilding. It was reloading.

“I came here to compete for championships,” Kelly said. “Coach Pearl believed in me, and the culture here is built for guys who want to work and win. This is what I dreamed of.”

A Season to Remember

Kelly wasted no time turning dreams into reality. He erupted out of the gates in November with a 28-point performance against Duke in the Champions Classic and never looked back. His scoring prowess was matched by elite-level defense and a knack for coming through in crunch time.

In SEC play, he averaged a league-best 23.2 points per game and had four 30-point outings, including a 35-point performance in a win over Kentucky that sealed Auburn’s regular-season conference title. Kelly’s efficiency stood out—he shot 49% from the field, 42% from beyond the arc, and 88% from the free-throw line.

Whether slicing through defenses, knocking down threes, or dishing out assists, Kelly had complete command of the court. Opposing coaches game-planned around him, but few had answers.

Leading by Example

What set Kelly apart wasn’t just the stats—it was the leadership. In a locker room loaded with young talent, it was Kelly who set the tone each day.

“He’s the heartbeat of our team,” said teammate Aden Holloway. “He brought intensity every practice and never let us get complacent. He pushed us all to be better.”

Kelly’s mentorship of younger guards, his late-game heroics, and his will to win endeared him to teammates and fans alike. He became the face of Auburn basketball—and an icon in the SEC.

Auburn’s Rise Under Bruce Pearl

This award is also a testament to Bruce Pearl’s ongoing transformation of Auburn basketball. Since his arrival in 2014, Pearl has turned the program into a consistent winner. Final Fours, conference titles, and NBA draft picks have become expectations, not exceptions.

But in Miles Kelly, Pearl found the player who could carry his program into a new era of national dominance. With Kelly leading the way, Auburn not only contended in the SEC—they set the standard.

“This is one of the best guards I’ve ever coached,” Pearl said. “Miles took everything we stand for and elevated it.”

Beyond the Stats: A Cultural Shift

Kelly’s impact goes beyond the box score. He’s redefined what’s possible for transfers and inspired a generation of players who don’t take the traditional path.

His commitment to defense, attention to detail, and ability to perform under pressure made him a coach’s dream and a fan favorite. Auburn Arena, already one of the most electric environments in the country, became a cauldron of excitement every time Kelly stepped on the court.

His signature celebration after draining clutch threes—a subtle nod and wave to the student section—became a viral symbol of Auburn swagger.

National Recognition and NBA Buzz

While the Sporting News award is the crowning achievement, it’s far from the only honor Kelly has racked up this season. He’s a consensus First-Team All-American, a finalist for the Wooden and Naismith Awards, and projected to be a first-round NBA Draft pick this summer.

Scouts love his versatility, shooting range, basketball IQ, and ability to guard multiple positions. Some even compare his skillset to NBA stars like Jalen Brunson and Jamal Murray.

“He’s ready,” said one NBA scout. “There’s no doubt about it. He’s a pro, and he’s going to be a good one for a long time.”

Reaction Around the SEC

The SEC, a conference traditionally known for its football dominance, has emerged as a basketball force—and Kelly has helped lead that charge.

Rival coaches praised his performance throughout the season, even while dreading the nights their teams had to face him.

“Kelly’s the real deal,” said Tennessee coach Rick Barnes. “He’s got that competitive fire you can’t teach. He elevates everyone around him.”

Even Alabama fans—Auburn’s fiercest rivals—have begrudgingly acknowledged Kelly’s greatness this season.

What’s Next for Kelly?

With Auburn still dancing in the NCAA Tournament, Kelly isn’t done yet. The Tigers are chasing a Final Four berth and possibly the program’s first national championship.

For Kelly, it would be the perfect ending to a legendary season. But even if the Tigers fall short, his legacy is secure.

“I just want to keep playing as long as I can with these guys,” Kelly said. “This has been the best year of my life.”

Legacy Cemented

No matter how the tournament ends, Miles Kelly will go down as one of the greatest players in Auburn history—and one of the best in college basketball in 2025. From his transfer decision to his national domination, Kelly’s journey is the ultimate testament to perseverance, confidence, and belief.

He didn’t just win an award. He changed a program. He inspired a fan base. He made history.

And now, he has the trophy to prove it.