Bruce Pearl believes Tahaad Pettiford is the 'best freshman in the country' based on preseason expectations

With what he has done over non-conference play of his first season in comparison to what was thought of him coming in, Bruce Pearl believes Tahaad Pettiford is the top freshman in all of college basketball.

Pearl applauded Pettiford during his postgame press conference last night after Auburn won 87-58 over Monmouth. He thinks he has played well so far, especially with what all he has learned and wanted to learn to this point.

“He’s done a good job. He wants to compete,” said Pearl. “Tahaad wants to be coached. He wants to get better. He asks questions.”

With that, Pearl says Pettiford has outperformed his overall ranking in high school in proving to be one of the best freshmen in the sport.

“He is, I’d say, based on preseason expectations? He’s the best freshman in the country, based on preseason expectations,” Pearl stated. “Let’s just say he was, what, 25th? He’s not the 25th-best freshman in the country.”

Pettiford, a Jersey City native, was the No. 31 overall prospect as a four-star in the 2024 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He rated as the No. 3 player out of New Jersey behind Dylan Harper (Rutgers) and Billy Richmond (Arkansas) and as the No. 4 PG in the class behind Boogie Fland (Arkansas), Rob Wright (Baylor), and Trent Perry (UCLA).

However, Pettiford’s play has been even better than that. He has posted 11.2 points, 3.1 assists, 1.7 rebounds, and a steal in 21.5 minutes over 13 appearances off their bench. That includes shooting 45.2% from the field and 42.2% from three on over two triples a game. That has him third for them in scoring and second in assists, steals, three-point makes, and three-point percentage.

This comes following Pettiford having nine points and five assists with a block and a steal in Monday’s win over the Hawks. That outing had him first on the team in plus-minus during the win as he was +36 in his 26 minutes.

Pettiford has outdone himself as an option for one of the best teams in the nation. He’ll now look to continue that going into conference play for the Tigers this weekend.