Auburn fans might be buzzing about Kaden Magwood’s recent performance in the NIT, and Steven Pearl is perfectly fine with that buzz, especially if it means more wins for the Tigers.
Magwood made a triumphant return after an 18-game hiatus, dropping 14 points-all in the second half-to ignite Auburn’s comeback against South Alabama. The Tigers turned an 11-point deficit into a 78-67 victory in their NIT opener.
Looking ahead to Auburn's second-round clash with Seattle U, Pearl confirmed Magwood will continue to back up Tahaad Pettiford at point guard. It’s another chance for the freshman to shine and for fans to wonder why he wasn’t in the lineup sooner.
"I told him, 'Keep making me look bad,'" Pearl shared before Friday’s practice. "'Because the more you make me look bad, the better it is for our team.' He's responded well, and I know he's excited."
Magwood, a former 4-star recruit from Charlotte, initially held the backup point guard role during nonconference play and even started the first two SEC games. However, he was benched in the third SEC matchup due to what Pearl initially described as off-the-court discipline issues, later citing defensive concerns. Magwood had also expressed frustration with Pearl’s coaching in a social media post that was later deleted.
With Auburn’s NIT bid extending their season, Pearl decided to give Magwood another shot, noting the freshman’s academic excellence as a factor.
"I'm proud of him staying right and staying ready," Pearl said following the win over South Alabama. "And he's gonna be a good player. It's just gonna take a little time, but he was really good tonight."
Magwood’s scoring spree included 11 consecutive points early in the second half, capped by a deep 3-pointer, which helped Auburn erase South Alabama’s lead with a 16-2 run. From there, the Tigers never looked back.
Pearl’s decision to play Magwood was also strategic, given South Alabama’s defensive style that required Auburn to take a barrage of 3-pointers. The Tigers attempted a season-high 42 triples, sinking 11 in the second half.
As Auburn prepares to face Seattle U, they’ll encounter a more traditional and formidable defense. Seattle U boasts a top 20 defense according to KenPom, anchored by the West Coast Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year, forward Will Heimbrodt.
"This is going to be a different step up, though," Pearl remarked about the upcoming challenge. "South Alabama sat back and let us shoot 3s.
This team is going to be really pressed up into the ball for 40 minutes. It's going to be a different type of test.
I'm excited to see how we handle it."