Tahaad Pettiford took college basketball by storm last season, showing what he could do despite only being a true freshman.

After he decided to return to Auburn for another season, Pettiford is expected to take on a leadership role both on and off the court, despite only being a true sophomore.

One thing that helpred Pettiford prepare to take on additional responsibilities this season was the mentorship he received from the veterans on the team last year.

“Guys like Dylan (Cardwell), Johni (Broome), and Miles (Kelly) definitely took me under their wing," Pettiford said. "Just taught me things as a freshman that I didn’t know. So I just try to tell the freshman that you are  going to have your ups and downs in college. That was something I learned. It’s just how you fight  back from it. I told the guys that they can talk to me anytime they need to, if they have anything on  their mind or if they need to get something off of their chest."

Head coach Steven Pearl is confident in Pettiford's ability to succeed as a team leader, despite the challenges he is bound to be faced with.

"Tahaad Pettiford had a breakout season last year on one of the -- on if not the best team in college basketball for most of the year," Pearl said. "He's going to have a different role this year, a target on his back every single night, people gunning for him. To lead a team of 10 new players, he has an unbelievable opportunity in front of him to show how much he's grown as a leader and player." 

After having players pour into him last season, Pettiford is looking forward to the opportunity to be a leader for Auburn.

"I can be someone they can call anytime," Pettiford said. "Just to have a space that they feel free, because basketball is going to take a lot of their time up.”