Tag: Ja’Heim Hudson

Tahaad Pettiford, Ja’heim Hudson play key bench roles in Auburn’s win at Georgia

Head coach Bruce Pearl discusses the importance of Pettiford and Hudson in Auburn’s narrow win at Georgia on Saturday.

The No. 1 Auburn Tigers pulled off another quad-1 win on the road Saturday by narrowly escaping No. 23 Georgia in Stegeman Coliseum, 70-68.

Auburn was without star forward [autotag]Johni Broome[/autotag] for the second straight game, which caused the need for several bench players to step up and take the pressure of added production head-on. Auburn got just that in [autotag]Tahaad Pettiford[/autotag] and [autotag]Ja’heim Hudson[/autotag].

Pettiford led all scorers with 24 points in Auburn’s win. He achieved the feat primarily through his success beyond-the-arc, where he connected on 5-of-7 three-point opportunities.

Auburn head coach [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] made sure to give Pettiford praise following the game.

“We didn’t play our best. We had two or three guys that had subpar nights. But I’ll give Georgia credit for that,” Pearl said. “And Tahaad Pettiford is pretty special.”

Hudson followed Pettiford by scoring five points and securing three offensive rebounds and two steals. Although Hudson played just 18 minutes, Pearl says that the affect he had on the floor could be felt all-around.

“We don’t win the game without Turtle (Hudson),” Pearl said. “We don’t.”

The duo of Pettiford and Howard combined to score 29 of Auburn’s 32 bench points in the win, which added value to the team’s performance considering starters [autotag]Chaney Johnson[/autotag] and [autotag]Dylan Cardwell[/autotag] combined to score four points while shooting 2-of-11 from the field Johnson and Cardwell played a great game defensively by combining to secure 13 rebounds and blocking five shots.

The timetable for Broome’s return is unknown, but Auburn will continue to find success in his absence due to the efforts of Pettiford and Hudson.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

Two Auburn players not traveling to Houston after plane incident

Auburn’s flight to Houston was forced to retreat Friday following a “horseplaying” incident.

A supposed “horseplay” incident that later turned into an altercation during Auburn basketball’s flight to Houston on Friday night has resulted in two players being left behind for the Tigers game vs. No. 4 Houston.

According to Justin Hokanson of Auburn Live, freshman forward [autotag]Jahki Howard[/autotag] and transfer forward [autotag]Ja’Heim Hudson[/autotag] were involved in an altercation during Auburn’s flight to Houston on Friday, which led to the plane being diverted back to Auburn University’s airport.

According to Hokanson’s sources, the incident began as “horseplay” before turning into an altercation that included personal words being exchanged, which made the pilots and flight attendant uncomfortable. However, the two were separated before the altercation escalated.

The duo combined to score nine points in Auburn’s win over Vermont on Wednesday. Howard scored seven points and pulled down four rebounds while Hudson recorded two assists and two points.

The No. 11 Tigers will look to earn its first upset of the season when it faces No. 4 Houston at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas at 8:30 p.m. CT.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

Dick Vitale places Auburn at No. 10 in ‘Sweet 16’ Rankings ahead of next season

Five SEC programs join Auburn in Vitale’s preseason rankings.

Longtime ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale released his annual “Sweet 16” college basketball rankings on Thursday afternoon.

While the 85-year-old’s rankings are nothing more than his personal list, he certainly has been following the sport long enough that his preference carries some legitimacy.

Five SEC programs landed in Vitale’s “Sweet 16”, with the Alabama Crimson Tide leading the pack all the way up at number two, behind only Kansas and one spot ahead of back-to-back champion Uconn. The only other SEC team to land in the top 10 was Auburn, as the Tigers landed at the 10 spot, ahead of Arkansas (13), Texas A&M (14), and Kentucky (15).

Auburn’s spot in Vitale’s top 10 is certainly warranted after [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag]’s squad won the SEC Tournament after finishing near the top of the conference a year ago.

The Tigers bring back last season’s leading scorer in Johni Broome as well as key pieces like [autotag]Denver Jones[/autotag], [autotag]Dylan Cardwell[/autotag], [autotag]Chaney Johnson[/autotag], and [autotag]Chad Baker-Mazara[/autotag]. The returning cast of players pairs with newly acquired transfers [autotag]JP Pegues[/autotag], [autotag]Ja’Heim Hudson[/autotag], and [autotag]Miles Kelly[/autotag] to create not only one of the more talented rosters in the SEC, but in the country as well.

Even with the abundance of offensive and defensive ammunition, the Tigers are no lock to have the same success they had a year ago. Vitale’s praise and a likely top 15 spot in the preseason polls is nice are nice accolades, but winning games in a grueling SEC is never an easy task.

We’ll see if the Tigers can live up to the preseason hype when they open the season in November.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Brian on Twitter @TheRealBHauch

Bruce Pearl praises newcomer Ja’Heim Hudson following summer workouts

Tigers coach Bruce pearl had high praise for the 6-foot-7, 220 pound forward when speaking to the media this week.

Auburn basketball is set to have many new faces this upcoming season. One of those new players, SMU transfer forward Ja-Heim Hudson, is already impressing his head coach as summer workouts get underway.

Tigers coach Bruce pearl had high praise for the 6-foot-7, 220 pound forward when speaking to the media this week, saying “[Hudson] brings a level of toughness that I really like”. Pearl also mentioned he liked the incoming seniors “grit”, especially considering he plays in a crowded front court featuring star [autotag]Johni Broome[/autotag], senior [autotag]Dylan Cardwell[/autotag], and second-year Tiger [autotag]Chaney Johnson[/autotag].

While that trio of big men are all but certain to soak up the majority of the minutes up front, Pearl mentioned he wanted to bring Hudson to the Plains to “challenge” his big men and make them better. At least so far it seems like Pearl thinks the transfer is delivering on that idea.

The Hinesville, GA native started just one game for SMU last season, finishing with per game totals of 5.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists. Whether Hudson will play a more vital offensive role on his new team remains to be seen, but the praise from his head coach could lead to a more prominent rotation spot with the Tigers.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Brian on Twitter @TheRealBHauch

How Miles Kelly’s pledge affects Auburn in On3’s way-too-early top-25 rankings

Auburn acquired wing help over the weekend by adding former Georgia Tech guard Miles Kelly from the transfer portal.

Auburn basketball filled another need over the weekend by adding former Georgia Tech guard [autotag]Miles Kelly[/autotag] to its roster from the transfer portal.

Kelly is Auburn’s third transfer portal addition of the offseason, joining former Furman guard [autotag]JP Pegues[/autotag] and former SMU forward [autotag]Ja’Heim Hudson[/autotag]. Kelly has averaged double-figures in points over the last two seasons at Georgia Tech and reached a career-high 5.5 rebounds last season.

Adding Kelly was important for Auburn, as the Tigers earned assistance on the wing. The commitment also impressed On3’s James Fletcher, who has placed Auburn at No. 8 in his “way-too-early top-25” ranking following Kelly’s pledge.

Auburn got a transfer portal commitment from Miles Kelly this week to sure up the wing scoring and provide help to the backcourt which includes veteran transfer JP Pegues.

Auburn will boast one of the most experienced rosters during the 2024-25 season, as 10 seniors will make up the roster including returning starters [autotag]Johni Broome[/autotag] and [autotag]Chris Moore[/autotag].

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

Former Georgia Tech guard Miles Kelly commits to Auburn

As rosters begin to fill out for the 2024-25 college basketball season, Auburn lands another talent out of the transfer portal in Miles Kelly

Auburn basketball is continuing to work through the offseason, attempting to fill out its roster for the 2024-25 season. Some of that work is coming through the transfer portal, where the Tigers have made some significant moves.

Auburn was able to make another notable addition to its roster, as former Georgia Tech combo guard [autotag]Miles Kelly[/autotag] announced his commitment to the Plains on Sunday.

Kelly commits to the program after having entered the transfer portal on April 29. He spent the previous three years of his college career with the Yellow Jackets.

He started in all 32 games last season, shooting 36.9% from the field and 32.1% from 3-point range. He was the leading scorer with Georgia Tech last year, as well, dropping 13.9 points per game.

Earning an Honorable Mention for All-ACC honors in the 2023-24 campaign, Kelly’s experience fills out a highly veteran group for head coach [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag]. He will join transfers [autotag]JP Pegues[/autotag] and [autotag]Ja’Heim Hudson[/autotag] on the roster in Auburn.

With the addition, Kelly now fills out the Tigers’ 12th scholarship spot out of a possible 13, likely being the final addition for the team for next season.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Tyler on Twitter @traley34

Auburn receives prediction for Georgia Tech transfer Miles Kelly

Kelly averaged 13.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season at Georgia Tech.

The transfer portal season in college basketball has been hectic since the offseason started, with big names from last season moving all around the country and shifting up rosters. Auburn is a team who is making big moves, and looking to make more.

One such hope that the Tigers have is to land Georgia Tech transfer [autotag]Miles Kelly[/autotag], who received a prediction to land on the Plains on Thursday by Jeffrey Lee of Auburn Live.

Kelly entered the transfer portal on April 29 after spending the last three seasons of his college career with the Yellow Jackets.

He averaged 11.1 points per game over the course of his time with Georgia Tech. Kelly started all 32 games in the 2023-24 season and shot 36.9% from the field, including 32.1% from 3-point range. He also was a 78.6% free throw shooter in his three years.

The 6-6, 180-pound combo guard had a successful campaign on the boards last year, averaging 5.5 rebounds per game. He also shared the ball more than he had his whole career, racking up 59 assists for the Yellow Jackets.

Kelly was also awarded for his play last season, earning an Honorable Mention for All-ACC honors.

A commitment from Kelly would add to a portal class that already includes Furman transfer [autotag]JP Pegues[/autotag] and SMU transfer [autotag]Ja’Heim Hudson[/autotag].

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Tyler on Twitter @traley34

Could Auburn’s 2024-25 nonconference slate be its toughest yet?

After suffering an early NCAA Tournament exit, Auburn is set to enhance its nonconference schedule for next season.

Auburn basketball played the 10th toughest schedule in the SEC last season. As a partial result, the Tigers exited the NCAA Tournament earlier than expected with a first-round loss to Yale.

Head coach [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] looks to put his team in a better position to win more meaningful games next season by piecing together what could be the Tigers’ toughest nonconference schedule in recent memory.

Before Monday’s Bruce Pearl Fore the Children Golf Classic at Willow Point Golf and Country Club in Alexander City, Pearl met with the media to discuss several topics including scheduling. Pearl says that Auburn fans can expect his team to play the toughest nonconference schedule of his 11-year Auburn tenure.

“We’re going to play a non-conference schedule, some of it has been released and some of it you guys have heard about, but that hasn’t been released yet…we’re going to have the toughest non-conference schedule we’ve ever had,” Pearl said Monday.

Auburn is scheduled to play in the Maui Invitational early next season which includes powers such as North Carolina, UConn, and Iowa State. Justin Hokanson of Auburn Live says that Auburn could also play Purdue, Houston, and NC State in neutral site action. Mixing those opponents in with an ACC foe as part of the ACC-SEC Challenge could provide Auburn with a solid resume heading into a revamped SEC schedule that includes newcomers Oklahoma and Texas.

Auburn finished the 2023-24 season with the No. 60 overall toughest schedule according to KenPom, which ranked No. 10 in the SEC. The Tigers played several power programs such as Notre Dame, Indiana, Virginia Tech, and USC in nonconference play last season. However, those four teams combined to build a 66-67 record with neither program finishing higher than No. 58 in the KenPom, nor providing Auburn with a quad 1 win.

The Tigers will look to build on its 2023-24 success by returning several notable players including [autotag]Johni Broome[/autotag], [autotag]Denver Jones[/autotag], and [autotag]Chad Baker-Mazara[/autotag] as well as newcomers [autotag]JP Pegues[/autotag], [autotag]Tahaad Pettiford[/autotag], and [autotag]Ja’Heim Hudson[/autotag].

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

SMU transfer Ja’Heim Hudson recaps ‘lovely’ Auburn visit

Auburn continued its hunt for an experienced forward on Wednesday by hosting former SMU product Ja’Heim Hudson.

Auburn continued its pursuit of an experienced forward Wednesday by welcoming a former three-star recruit to campus for a visit.

[autotag]Ja’Heim Hudson[/autotag], a former forward for Georgia State and SMU, stopped by Auburn on Wednesday for an official visit. After spending three seasons at the mid-major level, Hudson is ready to compete on the giant stage that is the SEC. He tells Auburn Live that Auburn coaches were upfront with how they planned to use him, and what the expectations would be if he signed with the Tigers.

“You can’t turn that down. I love how they put it right in front of me. That was the best pitch,” Hudson said. “I’ve dreamed about being on this type of stage and now I’m getting the opportunity. It’s surreal. It’s too good to be true. It’s a great opportunity and I definitely want to take the best route. I want to make the most of it.”

Last season at SMU, Hudson appeared in 34 games with one start where he averaged 5.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. At Georgia State, he made 34 starts while appearing in 56 games. His breakout season occurred as a sophomore in 2022-23 when he scored 10.1 points and recorded 6.8 rebounds per game.

Hudson is the second transfer forward to visit Auburn this week, joining former Texas star [autotag]Dillon Mitchell[/autotag]. Following Tuesday’s visit, Mitchell has placed Auburn in his top three, joining Cincinnati and Miami.