Tahaad Pettiford Sends Strong Message After Disappointing Auburn News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated May 28, 2025 3:35 PM ET

Following a loss in the 2025 Final Four, Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers lost numerous key players during the offseason.

All-American forward Johni Broome finished out his fifth year in school, while freshman forward Tahaad Pettiford declared for the 2025 NBA draft.

The major roster turnover should not be a surprise given the current state of college basketball and name, image and likeness (NIL) compensation, but Pearl was at least hoping another senior forward, Chaney Johnson, would return for another year.

“We’re certainly going to go through the process about seeing whether or not Chaney would be eligible for another year,” Pearl said in March. “We’re definitely going to go through the process.”

However, it appears Johnson was not eligible for an extra season, and on Monday, he announced that he will also be declaring for the NBA draft.

"From UAH to Auburn, I’ve been blessed to grow as both a player and a man," Johnson wrote on Instagram. "The lessons, the challenges, and the brotherhood I’ve gained will stay with me forever... After prayerful consideration, I’m excited to announce that I am declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft. This is just the beginning — and I’m stepping into it with faith, fire, and full commitment."

Pettiford, who spent his lone season at Auburn as Johnson's roommate, shared his thoughts on his teammate officially leaving.

"gon miss my roommate," Pettiford commented.

In a separate reply, Pettiford also wrote, "go get what's yours brudda."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chaney J. Johnson (@_cjohn_)

Johnson started his college career in 2020 at Alabama Huntsville (NCAA Division II). He transferred to Auburn in 2023, earning a significant role off the bench. In the 2024-25 season, Johnson averaged 9.1 points on 56.7 percent shooting, 4.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 23.4 minutes per game.

With the NCAA withdrawal deadline on Wednesday, Pearl and Auburn should get a decision from Pettiford soon.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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