Mailbag 205: What other actions may Auburn basketball take in the portal?

As the spring transfer portal window winds down, Auburn basketball and head coach Bruce Pearl are still actively evaluating options to round out their 2025–26 roster. After a season that saw the Tigers make a deep NCAA Tournament run, the expectations on The Plains remain sky-high — but the roster, while promising, still has a few critical gaps that need to be addressed before the new season tips off.

This offseason has been busy for Auburn. Several key players, most notably All-SEC forward Johni Broome and center Dylan Cardwell, have departed — either by graduation or by entering the professional ranks. Meanwhile, combo guard Denver Jones also left a hole in Auburn’s perimeter scoring.

Pearl and his staff have responded aggressively by pulling in notable names from the portal:

• Keyshawn Hall (UCF): A dynamic 6-foot-7 forward known for his scoring versatility.

• Kevin Overton (Texas Tech): A sharpshooting guard who can space the floor.

• Elyjah Freeman: A high-upside wing who brings athleticism and energy.

• KeShawn Murphy (Mississippi State): A stretch forward with SEC experience.

• Abdul Bashir (JUCO): A quick, tough-nosed guard expected to provide depth.

• Sebastian Williams-Adams (Freshman): A talented forward from the 2024 recruiting class.

Currently, Auburn projects to have about nine players locked into scholarship spots, pending final decisions from a couple of returnees (notably Tahaad Pettiford and Chaney Johnson, who are still weighing professional or transfer options).

Despite the promising influx of talent, one glaring issue remains: Auburn lacks a proven, experienced center.

• Interior defense: Losing Broome and Cardwell means Auburn’s two best rim protectors are gone.

• Rebounding: Broome’s double-double ability anchored Auburn’s offense and second-chance scoring.

• Post scoring: Auburn will need someone who can command attention in the paint to open up its perimeter shooting.

KeShawn Murphy and Emeka Opurum (a redshirt freshman) will certainly compete for frontcourt minutes, but neither has the proven track record Auburn fans are used to seeing at the 5 position. Simply put, for Auburn to remain among the SEC’s elite, it needs to add a veteran big man who can defend, rebound, and be a physical presence inside.

While many high-profile names have already committed elsewhere, there are still a few bigs Auburn could pursue:

• Federiko Federiko (Pittsburgh): A true rim protector who started most of last season for Pitt. Federiko is long, athletic, and exactly the type of defensive anchor Auburn could use.

• Isaiah Miranda (NC State): A former top-50 recruit with elite size (7’1″). He’s raw but has intriguing upside if the coaching staff wants to gamble on development.

• Uncommitted International Players: Bruce Pearl has increasingly scouted internationally in recent years. Several bigs from Europe and Africa remain options if Auburn looks outside the portal.

• Late Portal Entries: Though the main portal window has closed, players already in the portal remain available. Sometimes, coaching changes, NBA Draft withdrawals, or unexpected transfers shake loose last-minute additions.

Bruce Pearl has consistently said he prefers players who fit Auburn’s culture: hardworking, defensive-minded, team-first competitors. Beyond pure talent, the next addition must check several boxes:

• Defensive Versatility: Auburn likes switching defenses and pressuring opponents, meaning any center must be mobile enough to hedge or switch on screens.

• Experience: Ideally, someone who has played meaningful minutes at the college level, preferably in a major conference.

• Maturity: Auburn’s locker room is known for being tight-knit. The last thing the Tigers want is someone who disrupts chemistry heading into a championship-contending season.

In short, Auburn is not just looking for a body — they are looking for someone who fits their identity.

Expect one more major addition to the roster. Pearl historically likes to run a 10- or 11-man rotation. Even if Pettiford and Johnson both return, Auburn will still need one more true center to balance out the roster.

Additionally, Auburn may leave one scholarship spot open. Pearl has used this tactic before to remain flexible during the season — in case mid-year transfers become available or unexpected issues arise (injuries, suspensions, etc.).

If Auburn cannot land a true center, there are contingency plans:

• Small-Ball Lineups: Auburn could play Hall or Murphy at the 5 in smaller, faster units, focusing on pace, space, and perimeter shooting.

• Development of Young Bigs: Emeka Opurum would be thrown into the fire, getting accelerated minutes to grow quickly.

• Midseason Additions: As mentioned earlier, leaving a scholarship open would allow for flexibility if a capable big man becomes available mid-year.

While Auburn’s current roster already looks dangerous — featuring returning stars like Tre Donaldson, Aden Holloway, and Chad Baker-Mazara alongside the new additions — adding one more interior enforcer could be the key piece that elevates the Tigers from SEC contenders to national championship threats.

Bruce Pearl has worked the portal masterfully in recent seasons, and there’s little doubt he’ll close out the 2025 recruiting cycle with the same strategic precision. Auburn’s fanbase should stay tuned: another splash may be coming soon.

Projected Finish: With or without another portal addition, Auburn is firmly a Top-15 team entering next season. Add a quality center? They could easily crack the Top 10 — and make another Final Four run.