Leadership and Locker Room Presence

While Kelly’s statistics and shooting acumen made headlines, his true value often came behind closed doors. Upon joining Auburn, he quickly earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike—not just for his performance, but for his maturity, work ethic, and vocal leadership.

Bruce Pearl described Kelly as “the kind of veteran player who changes the culture of a team.” Despite being new to the program, Kelly took on a mentoring role, particularly with underclassmen like freshman point guard Jamari Neal. In practices and on the sidelines, Kelly could often be seen coaching up younger players, reminding them of defensive assignments, and encouraging them through rough patches.

“I’ve been through the ups and downs of ACC basketball,” Kelly said in a mid-season interview. “I know what it’s like to struggle and to rise. I just want to help the younger guys navigate that journey.”

That kind of leadership became invaluable during tough stretches of the season—particularly after a mid-season loss to Arkansas, which many feared would derail Auburn’s title hopes. It was Kelly who called a players-only meeting to re-center the team’s focus. Auburn didn’t lose another regular season game after that.

Auburn’s Historic Season

The 2024–25 season will be remembered as one of the greatest in Auburn basketball history, and Miles Kelly was at the heart of it all.

The Tigers finished the regular season 30–3, earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and won both the SEC regular season and tournament championships. Kelly was consistently a top scorer throughout the season, averaging 16.8 points per game and shooting a blistering 41% from beyond the arc.

In SEC play, he was even more dominant. He saved some of his best performances for Auburn’s fiercest rivals: 25 points against Alabama in a packed Neville Arena, 28 against Kentucky, and a jaw-dropping 32 points against LSU in the SEC tournament semifinal, where he went 10-for-13 from three-point range.

The crowd chanted “M-V-P!” as he walked off the court that night—an echo that would become familiar during Auburn’s postseason run.

March Madness: Clutch on the Big Stage

In the NCAA Tournament, Kelly’s game reached another level.

During the Sweet 16 matchup against Arizona, with Auburn trailing by 6 points with under two minutes to go, Kelly went on a personal 8-0 run—hitting two threes and stealing an inbound pass for a fast-break layup. The Tigers escaped with a 78–76 win, and Kelly was named Player of the Game.

Then came the Elite Eight. Facing a veteran UConn squad, Kelly delivered a near-perfect shooting night, finishing with 27 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds. It was during this game that national pundits began seriously discussing his candidacy for National Player of the Year.

Unfortunately, Auburn’s dream run came to an end in the Final Four against Houston, but Kelly still managed 22 points in the loss. “He gave everything he had,” Coach Pearl said. “There wasn’t a moment in that game where you didn’t believe Miles could turn it around.”

Sporting News National Player of the Year Recognition

When the Sporting News announced Miles Kelly as their 2025 National Player of the Year, it was the culmination of a remarkable journey.

The award, which takes into account not just stats but overall impact, leadership, and team success, was a testament to Kelly’s multifaceted contributions. He became only the second player in Auburn history to receive the honor, joining legends like Charles Barkley in elite company.

“It means the world,” Kelly said. “But it’s not just about me—it’s about what we built here. Every practice, every film session, every teammate who pushed me—this award belongs to all of them too.”

Off the Court: Humble Star, Campus Hero

What endeared Kelly to fans almost as much as his game was his humility and accessibility.

He regularly volunteered for community outreach events, including Auburn’s “Reading Tigers” program, where he visited local elementary schools to read to students. He also co-founded a mental health initiative with teammates to promote awareness and support among college athletes.

“It’s not just about basketball,” he told The Plainsman, Auburn’s student newspaper. “It’s about being a complete human being. Giving back, being present—that’s what makes a legacy.”

His campus presence was magnetic. Students frequently spotted him at the student center, sharing meals with fans, or attending other Auburn sporting events. He became a unifier—not just a star athlete, but a beloved figure who made Auburn feel like family.

Media Attention and NBA Buzz

Kelly’s rise didn’t go unnoticed by NBA scouts. By March, he was appearing in multiple first-round mock drafts. Analysts praised his high basketball IQ, his quick release, and his improved ball-handling. But what really impressed scouts was his ability to take over games without forcing shots or dominating the ball—traits that translate well to the professional level.

“He reminds me of Desmond Bane with a touch of Khris Middleton,” one scout told The Athletic. “Great spot-up shooter, can create his own shot, and defends at a high level.”

Kelly has yet to officially declare for the NBA Draft, but many expect that announcement soon.

Legacy at Auburn

Though he only spent one season at Auburn, Kelly’s legacy is etched in stone. In a recent poll conducted by Auburn athletics, fans ranked him as one of the Top 5 most beloved players in program history—alongside names like Barkley, Chris Porter, Jared Harper, and Jabari Smith Jr.

The university has already announced plans to honor Kelly with a commemorative banner in Neville Arena, and rumors are circulating that a section of the arena concourse may be named after him.

“If we’re talking about heart, leadership, and grit—Miles Kelly might be the gold standard,” said longtime Auburn broadcaster Andy Burcham.

Final Thoughts: The Journey Continues

From a promising high school prospect to Georgia Tech’s leading scorer, to the heart and soul of an Auburn squad that captured the nation’s attention—Miles Kelly’s journey has been nothing short of inspirational.

His Sporting News National Player of the Year award is the cherry on top of an unforgettable season—not just for Auburn fans, but for college basketball as a whole. Wherever his career takes him next, whether it’s the NBA, overseas, or back for another college season, one thing is certain: Miles Kelly has already made history.

And in doing so, he’s inspired the next generation of Tigers to dream big, work hard, and believe in themselves—on the court and beyond.