Above the Rim: Instant impact for Auburn freshmen Jovic, Magwood

AUBURN, Ala. – Freshmen Filip Jovic and Kaden Magwood are making an immediate impact on the Plains.

A veteran of Serbia’s top league, Jovic plans to join his idol, three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, one day in the NBA.

But first, the 20-year-old is working on his game at Neville Arena, shooting 65.5 percent through the Tigers’ first six games while ranking second on the team in offensive rebounds and quickly gaining an appreciation for Auburn’s famed home-court advantage.

“An amazing experience for me,” said Jovic, who competed last year in the Adriatic Basketball Association. “I didn’t play in an atmosphere like that before. This feels like a real jungle.”

The Tigers’ coaching staff made Auburn the right fit for Filip, he says, along with last season’s NCAA Tournament showing.

“I have good communication with the assistant coaches and with (head coach) Steven (Pearl) also,” Jovic said. “I watched last year how they played. They played in the Final Four and I thought this team is the best for me now.”

The 6-8 forward is at his best on fast breaks and when he’s locking down opponents of all sizes.

“I like transition plays, and I like to play defense,” he said. “I like to switch on guards. I guard everybody. On offense, I like to make my teammates better because everybody needs confidence.”

Auburn’s second leading offensive rebounder to this point, Jovic is not afraid to mix it up. 

“I like to go after every offensive rebound,” he said. “I’m a warrior. I may be an undersized 5-man but I like fights around the rim.”

In addition to Jokic, Jovic mentioned Auburn All-American Johni Broome and NBA All-Star Pascal Siakam as players he admires for their low-post play and passing ability.

“For me, fast game in transition combined with low post and passing to guards for 3-point shots,” he said. 

Jovic is adjusting quickly to new surroundings, a new language and a new style of basketball while looking forward to helping Auburn defend its SEC championship.  

“Everything is new,” he said. “I played different basketball last year, but I love to win. I will go on every offensive rebound, I can guard everybody and a lot of fight around the rim.”

Like Jovic, Magwood also chose Auburn because of his connection with the coaches.

“I felt like I had a relationship with everybody on this coaching staff and now it’s growing more,” he said. “The coaching staff and the culture.”

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, and the No. 39 overall player in ESPN’s 2025 recruiting class, Magwood knows his role at Auburn will grow over time. 

“They let their guards have freedom,” Magwood said. “I have to earn that, and I understand that I have to play defense. I’m going to earn that.”

Through Auburn’s first six games, Magwood ranked second in assists despite averaging only 11 minutes per game, while producing a nearly 4-to-1 ratio of assists to turnovers.

“I can do everything on the court: shoot, pass, score, play defense,” he said. “I could really do whatever.”

When he visited the Plains last season as a high school senior, The Jungle impressed Magwood.

“The fanbase is exciting and energetic,” he said. “I love it here.”

After his basketball career concludes, Magwood might give sports broadcasting a try. For now, he’s all ball. 

“Back at home all I do is play basketball,” he said, “and I do here is play basketball and go to school. It’s not that much different.”

Backing up Tahaad Pettiford at point guard, Magwood tries to model his mentor.

“Everything,” Magwood said. “How he acts, how he takes everything day by day. I copy him a lot. He’s an All-American. I’m trying to implement the things he does and take it day by day.”

Elite point guard play has been a hallmark of Auburn’s ascendance in the past decade. Magwood wants to be the Tigers’ next great PG1 while connecting with fans along the way.

“I really care about people and how they think about me,” he said. “If you ever see me out and about, just say ‘What’s up?’ or ‘Hey, Kaden.’ I’m going to say it back, take a picture with you if you want.”

Auburn basketball’s future stars, for freshmen Filip Jovic and Kaden Magwood, the future is now.

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer