A New Chapter in Auburn Fandom: My First Season Following Auburn Basketball

With all my years as an Auburn fan, I never thought I’d find myself as emotionally invested in basketball as I am in football. Growing up and living in the South, Auburn football was more than just a game—it was tradition, identity, pride. Saturdays in the fall were sacred, and the roar of Jordan-Hare Stadium became a soundtrack to my favorite memories. But this past year, something changed. This year, for the first time, I truly followed our Auburn basketball team, and it did not disappoint.

Looking back, I wonder why it took me so long. Maybe it was habit. Maybe it was comfort. Or maybe it was just not knowing where to begin. But whatever the reason, I’m glad I finally gave our basketball team the attention and support it deserves. Because what I found this season was nothing short of inspiring.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit—I’m no couch coach. I don’t pretend to know the nuances of basketball strategy or the intricacies of rotations, zone defenses, or pick-and-roll plays. I can’t break down a player’s stats or argue over substitution patterns. I’m not on social media analyzing plays or posting hot takes. That’s not my lane. What I do know, though, is heart. I know pride. I know what it looks like to wear that Auburn jersey and give it your all, whether the scoreboard’s in your favor or not. And that’s what I saw, night after night, from our young men on the court.

This team showed up.

They showed up with intensity, with grit, with passion. And they played their hearts out for the name on their chest—for Auburn. Every time they stepped onto the hardwood, I saw a group of young men who believed in each other, who fought for every rebound, who defended with urgency, and who played together, win or lose. Sure, there were some tough games. Some frustrating moments. A few calls that didn’t go our way and shots that wouldn’t fall. But if we’re being honest, that’s just life.

Because isn’t that what sports are all about? Ups and downs. Highs and lows. Triumph and heartbreak. But in the middle of it all, there’s growth. There’s perseverance. There’s community. This season reminded me that the journey is just as powerful as the destination—and sometimes even more so.

I found myself looking forward to every game. Checking the schedule. Counting down the hours to tipoff. Watching every possession with my heart pounding, feeling every emotion like I was out there on the floor. And let me tell you—those wins hit different when you’re invested like that. When you’ve ridden through the losses, the tough stretches, and the growing pains, those victories feel like magic. Like redemption. Like a glimpse into what’s possible when belief meets hard work.

The energy of Neville Arena is electric. It’s not just a gym; it’s a living, breathing embodiment of the Auburn Family. The students, the band, the fans—we all come together in a way that transcends sports. We create something special, something sacred. That’s something I didn’t fully understand until I let myself fall into the rhythm of a basketball season. And now that I have, I don’t think I’ll ever let it go.

What stood out the most, though, wasn’t just the dunks, or the three-pointers, or the fast breaks—it was the character. The way our players conducted themselves. The way they supported each other. The way they handled both victory and defeat with class and determination. These are young men who are learning, growing, and leading, all while carrying the weight of expectations and the pride of a university. That’s no easy task. And they’ve done it with grace and humility.

It’s made me think a lot about the broader picture. About what it really means to be an Auburn fan.

Yes, we love football—and we should. It’s part of our DNA. But Auburn is so much more than just one sport. We are a community of athletes, coaches, families, students, and fans who wear the same colors and fight for the same goals. Whether it’s on the football field, the basketball court, the baseball diamond, the track, or the swimming pool—our athletes are putting in the work. And they deserve our support.

So no, I won’t try to be an armchair analyst. I won’t pretend to know more than the coaches or question the decisions being made. My role isn’t to critique. My role is to support. To cheer. To stand proud when our athletes step into competition. Because at the end of the day, these young men and women are giving us something to believe in. They’re writing their own stories in the pages of Auburn history. And as fans, we’re lucky just to be a part of it.

This season taught me that Auburn pride runs deeper than a single sport. It’s about a shared heartbeat. A shared belief. A commitment to excellence in everything we do, whether it’s in the classroom, on the court, or in the community. Our athletes embody that spirit every day. And for that, they deserve nothing but respect and appreciation.

It also reminded me that, in many ways, sports reflect life. We all face challenges. We all have good days and bad. Sometimes we’re up, sometimes we’re down. But what matters is how we respond. Do we give up, or do we keep showing up? Do we make excuses, or do we dig deeper? Our basketball team chose the latter. And watching them do so gave me a renewed sense of hope—not just in sports, but in people.

They showed us what it means to persevere. To fight for each other. To trust the process. And that’s something I’ll carry with me far beyond the final buzzer.

As the season came to a close, I felt a mix of emotions—pride, gratitude, a little sadness that it was over. But most of all, I felt inspired. Inspired by the players who gave us everything they had. Inspired by the coaches who guided them. Inspired by the fans who showed up, game after game, win or lose. Inspired by the Auburn Family, in all its passion and unity.

So here’s what I’ll say now, as a fan who has experienced a whole new side of Auburn athletics this year:

Thank you.

Thank you to the players who put on that jersey and gave us everything they had. Thank you to the coaches who led with integrity and passion. Thank you to the fans who welcomed newcomers like me with open arms and unwavering spirit. Thank you to the families, the trainers, the support staff—everyone who plays a role in helping these athletes compete at the highest level.

I’m proud of you. Every single one of you.

This season was special. And though it may not have ended with a championship, it ended with something even more valuable—connection. A deeper connection between fans and players. A stronger bond across the Auburn community. And a reminder that our spirit is alive and well.

Now, as we look ahead to future seasons, I know one thing for sure: I’ll be there. I’ll be watching. Cheering. Supporting. Because once you truly experience Auburn basketball—once you feel the passion, the pride, the heart—you never go back. It becomes a part of you, just like everything else that makes Auburn great.

And so, with a full heart and a newfound respect for the game and the team that plays it, I say this:

War Eagle. Now and always.