Auburn basketball notebook: 'It's their team'

AUBURN, Ala. –  Running it back for their second season together at Auburn, Tahaad Pettiford and Kevin Overton could give the Tigers one of the SEC’s top backcourts in 2026-27.

“Those guys understand what we’re doing,” Auburn coach Steven Pearl said. “You see a different level of maturity up to this point with those two, which is something I would like them to continue to build off of because it’s their team.”

Speaking to reporters before Wednesday's AMBUSH alumni and On To Victory event at Lake Martin, Pearl challenged his experienced backcourt to integrate and lead their new teammates.

“They’ve got to make this what they want it to be,” said Pearl of the duo that combined to average 29.5 points per game last season. “The best teams we’ve ever had have been player-led teams. We as coaches can only do so much. The guys that do it internally, that’s when you have something special. That’s one things those guys really have to take the reins on this year. They have to be intentional about their leadership, how they handle themselves, the habits they bring to practice every day and their attitudes. All those things have been good so far. Looking to see them continue to do that.”

“You can see Tahaad and KO trying to really grasp on that leadership role that we’ve really been pushing them toward this summer. Our guys respect them to a point where they’re listening and they’re taking some of the comments, criticisms and some of the things they’re trying to help me implement this summer. It’s been good.”

NBA DRAFTS NARCISSE NGOY

Watching the second round of the NBA Draft on his couch on June 24, Pearl was surprised when the Los Angeles Clippers landed incoming Auburn center Narcisse Ngoy with the 57^th overall pick.

“It was wild,” said Pearl, who immediately checked with Ngoy’s agent to confirm the 7-footer’s intention to play for Auburn this season. “We had to take it in stride. Narcisse came out the next day and made his commitment very vocal and was excited about getting to Auburn and getting started with us. When the big fellow made his post on his own, that made us all feel a lot better.”

Auburn announced the signing of the 7-footer on March 31 after Ngoy averaged a double-double in the French Elite 2 League. With Ngoy turning 22 on July13, he was automatically eligible to be drafted without declaring for it.

“It was a surprise to all of us,” Pearl said. “Narcisse was asleep when he got drafted. He had no idea until the next morning because his agent was not aware.

“It’s a testament to him and how he finished out his season. He played phenomenally well. He showed a lot of potential and upside. The Clippers are taking a chance on him but it’s one that could pay off if he comes to Auburn and has a good year or two.”

AUBURN MANTAS

The arrival of Auburn’s international players – Mantas Rubstavicius last Friday and Narcisse Tuesday – completes the Tigers’ roster.

“Mantas comes with a ton of experience at the international level,” Pearl said of the 6-foot-7, 202-pounder from Lithuania. “He’s going to have a lot of similarities to Chad Baker as far as how he plays, his ability to shoot the ball and play out of ball screens.”

The newcomers are scheduled to join their teammates for workouts and practice when the Tigers return from a week off after the Fourth of July weekend.

“I’m excited to see how those two guys fit in next week,” Pearl said. “Excited to see how quickly they’re able to gel, pick up the system and get incorporated with the guys.”

 Ngoy and Rubstavicius will try to catch up quickly after their new teammates had a four-week headstart in June.

“So far, our guys have had a productive summer to this point,” Pearl said.

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