SAN ANTONIO – Auburn’s basketball team embarked on its journey to the Final Four on Wednesday, departing with the same excitement and enthusiasm that had marked their return just a few days earlier.
Fans gathered in large numbers outside Neville Arena, cheering loudly as the team performed a reverse Tiger Walk before boarding the bus bound for Montgomery. From there, the players took a chartered flight to San Antonio, Texas, to continue their pursuit of a national championship.
The excitement surrounding Auburn’s remarkable tournament run had been evident since their triumphant return from Atlanta, where they had secured a hard-fought 70-64 victory over Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament South Regional final. Sixty hours before their departure, hundreds of Auburn University students and supporters greeted the team upon their arrival, celebrating their advancement to the Final Four.
Auburn’s arrival in Texas on Thursday afternoon was met with even more fanfare. A lively Mariachi band played in their honor as they stepped off the plane, setting the tone for what they hoped would be a memorable weekend. In the hangar, the prestigious national championship trophy was prominently displayed on a nearby table, serving as a reminder of what was at stake.
With their qualification for the Final Four, the 2025 Auburn Tigers joined the ranks of the school’s 2019 team, whose banner hangs proudly outside their arena as a testament to their success.
“I want to create my own legacy,” said Dylan Cardwell, standing in the victorious locker room at State Farm Arena on Sunday, proudly holding the regional championship trophy. “Coach Pearl always tells us to make history, and that’s what I want to do for myself. This moment is significant because it distinguishes me and my teammates. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity.”
Reflecting on Auburn’s past success, Cardwell acknowledged the importance of the 2019 team’s accomplishments. “That team paved the way for us. They put Auburn basketball on the national stage. They are the foundation of this program, but now it’s our turn to build our own legacy.”
The Tigers’ impressive journey to the Final Four has had a ripple effect throughout Auburn’s athletic department. Head football coach Hugh Freeze, who was in attendance for Auburn’s victories over Michigan and Michigan State in Atlanta, highlighted the significance of the team’s success.
“I had an incredible time in Atlanta,” Freeze said on Tuesday morning during Auburn’s spring football practice. “The way these guys compete and represent our university is truly special. There’s no way to quantify just how much their success benefits all of us.”
Freeze went on to express his admiration for Bruce Pearl and his coaching staff. “I am so grateful for Bruce and his leadership. He’s not just a great coach but also a great friend. I’m thrilled for him, his family, and his players. It’s amazing to see Auburn being talked about on national television. Charles Barkley is constantly discussing our program, and that kind of recognition is invaluable.”
According to Freeze, Auburn’s journey through one of the toughest SEC seasons in history speaks volumes about the team’s resilience and determination. “This year’s SEC competition was arguably the toughest it’s ever been. For Auburn to win it and make it to the Final Four is a testament to the incredible job Bruce and his team have done.”
The basketball team’s success has even had an impact on Auburn football. “It’s exciting for all of us,” Freeze added. “We have three top recruits visiting today, and one of the first things we’ll mention to them is our basketball team’s success. It boosts the entire athletic program.”
With two full days to settle into San Antonio and prepare for their highly anticipated national semifinal matchup against Florida, the Tigers (32-5) have scheduled practices at the Alamodome on Thursday and Friday.
Now, with just two more wins standing between them and a national championship, Auburn’s players and coaches remain focused on making history on college bas
ketball’s grandest stage.
