Miles Kelly, a guard for the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball team, has been named the sporting news national player of the year.
Miles Kelly, the standout guard for the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball team, has recently been named the Sporting News National Player of the Year, a prestigious honor in collegiate basketball. This recognition has not only solidified his status as one of the best players in the country but also underscores the immense talent and determination that have driven his rise to the top of the sport. In this essay, we will explore the journey that led Kelly to this remarkable achievement, examining his early life, college career, the 2024-2025 season that propelled him to national attention, and what this recognition means for him, Auburn University, and the world of college basketball.
Early Life and Development
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Miles Kelly’s basketball journey began long before he set foot on the campus of Auburn University. Growing up in a city known for producing top-tier basketball talent, Kelly was exposed to the sport at a young age. His father, a former college athlete, recognized his son’s potential and pushed him to develop his skills in a competitive environment. Miles quickly demonstrated an aptitude for the game, showcasing a high basketball IQ, an impressive work ethic, and a natural scoring ability that set him apart from his peers.
By the time Kelly reached high school, his talent was undeniable. Attending Pace Academy, a private school in Atlanta, he became a standout player, drawing attention from scouts and college recruiters across the nation. During his high school career, Kelly was known for his exceptional ball-handling skills, sharp shooting, and leadership on the court. He was a star in both the Atlanta high school scene and on the AAU circuit, where he gained national recognition. His performance in key tournaments only enhanced his reputation, earning him a spot among the top recruits in the country.
Kelly’s recruitment process was intense, with many major college programs vying for his services. Ultimately, he chose to commit to Auburn University, attracted by the team’s competitive program and the opportunity to play under the guidance of head coach Bruce Pearl. Auburn’s history of developing elite players and their recent success in the SEC (Southeastern Conference) made it an ideal fit for Kelly, who was eager to contribute to a program that was building momentum on the national stage.
College Career: The Auburn Tigers
Freshman Year: Finding His Footing
Miles Kelly’s first year at Auburn was marked by his rapid adaptation to the speed and intensity of college basketball. While many freshmen struggle to find their place, Kelly immediately demonstrated his skillset, making an impact on both ends of the floor. He averaged 12.3 points per game during his freshman season, contributing significantly to Auburn’s offensive efforts.
What stood out in Kelly’s early college career was his ability to score efficiently. Whether it was pulling up from three-point range, finishing in transition, or making plays off the dribble, Kelly showed that he could be a versatile scorer in a high-level college basketball program. His defense, though often overlooked early in his career, was also impressive. Kelly’s agility, combined with his understanding of the game, made him a formidable presence on the defensive end, often matching up with some of the SEC’s best players.
Auburn’s success during Kelly’s freshman year was a sign of things to come. The Tigers, under Bruce Pearl, finished the season with a solid record, earning a spot in the NCAA tournament. Kelly’s role in the team’s success was not lost on fans or scouts, as he demonstrated poise and skill in the tournament, contributing to Auburn’s deep run.
Sophomore Year: Stepping Up
As a sophomore, Kelly continued to improve and expand his game. His scoring numbers increased significantly, as he averaged 16.4 points per game. However, it wasn’t just his offense that stood out; Kelly became more refined in his decision-making, taking on a larger role as a floor leader. His ability to control the pace of the game and make crucial plays in high-pressure situations elevated Auburn’s game to another level.
Auburn was one of the top teams in the SEC during the 2023-2024 season, with Kelly’s dynamic scoring and leadership at the forefront of the team’s success. He became known for his clutch performances, especially in close games against high-ranked teams, and was a critical component of Auburn’s push for an SEC championship.
One of the defining moments of Kelly’s sophomore year came during a matchup against the Kentucky Wildcats, a perennial powerhouse in college basketball. With the game tied in the final seconds, Kelly took the ball and hit a game-winning shot from beyond the arc, propelling Auburn to a thrilling victory. It was moments like these that made Kelly an instant fan favorite and helped solidify his status as one of the best guards in the country.
Junior Year: The National Spotlight
The 2024-2025 season was a defining year in Miles Kelly’s career. Now in his junior year, Kelly was playing with a sense of purpose, knowing that his time in college basketball was winding down and that the opportunity to showcase his full potential was now. Throughout the season, Kelly dominated the court, taking on more responsibility and playing at an All-American level.
His scoring ability reached new heights. Kelly averaged 21.7 points per game, showing off his ability to create for himself and his teammates. He became one of the most dangerous guards in college basketball, capable of taking over a game at will. His shooting percentages were off the charts, including a blistering 40% from three-point range, which made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. In addition to his scoring prowess, Kelly averaged 4.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game, proving that he was more than just a one-dimensional player.
Auburn’s performance throughout the season reflected Kelly’s individual success. The Tigers finished as one of the top teams in the SEC, with Kelly leading them to a highly anticipated SEC Championship appearance. His leadership was evident on the court, as he was the go-to player in critical moments. In games against ranked teams like Alabama, Tennessee, and LSU, Kelly consistently rose to the occasion, delivering game-changing plays and keeping Auburn in contention for a high seed in the NCAA tournament.
SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament Success
The SEC Tournament was a showcase for Kelly’s talents. In a thrilling championship game against a rival team, Kelly was instrumental in Auburn’s victory, scoring 28 points and earning tournament MVP honors. His performance in the SEC Tournament only cemented his place as one of the best players in the nation.
When the NCAA Tournament began, Kelly’s focus and determination were on full display. He guided Auburn through a series of tough matchups, including a dominant win over the Texas Longhorns and a nail-biting victory over the Duke Blue Devils. Kelly’s leadership, ability to take over games in the clutch, and consistency on both ends of the floor made him a standout performer in the tournament.
Although Auburn ultimately fell short of winning the national championship, Kelly’s performances were enough to secure his status as the most dominant player in college basketball. He was named to several All-American teams and was a consensus pick for Player of the Year honors.
Sporting News National Player of the Year
When the announcement came that Miles Kelly had been named the Sporting News National Player of the Year, it was a moment of immense pride for him, his family, and the Auburn basketball program. The award, which is one of the most prestigious individual honors in college basketball, recognized Kelly’s exceptional skill, leadership, and impact on the game.
In his acceptance of the award, Kelly thanked his coaches, teammates, and family for their support throughout his journey. He highlighted the hard work and sacrifices that went into reaching this point and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Auburn on the national stage. “This is an incredible honor, but it’s really a reflection of the team I’m on and the coaching staff that has helped me grow. This award isn’t just mine—it’s for all of us.”
Kelly’s recognition as the National Player of the Year came on the heels of an incredible season in which he led Auburn to one of its best campaigns in recent history. His combination of scoring ability, leadership, and clutch performances made him the clear choice for the award, even among a field of other talented players.
What the Award Means for Kelly and Auburn
Miles Kelly’s recognition as the Sporting News National Player of the Year is a testament to his hard work, talent, and determination. It validates his decision to come to Auburn and proves that he is one of the best players to ever don the Auburn Tigers jersey. For Auburn, this honor is significant not only because it highlights one of their star players but also because it reflects the growing stature of their basketball program under coach Bruce Pearl.
For Kelly, the award is the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. It marks the end of a successful college career, but it also serves as a springboard for his future in professional basketball. As one of the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft, Kelly’s stock has never been higher, and this honor will only increase his visibility and appeal to NBA scouts.
