When the NCAA tournament brackets are revealed on selection Sunday, the No. 1 seeds are typically viewed as the Goliaths of the competition. They're more often than not the blue-chip programs, the collections of highly touted recruits destined for NBA stardom, seemingly preordained for deep tournament runs. But this year, the Auburn Tigers present a unique and compelling paradox: an overall No. 1 seed that, in many ways, embodies the very spirit of a Cinderella story.

How can the top seed, a team that should be expected to win, be considered an underdog? The answer lies in the composition of this Auburn squad. This isn't a team built on a foundation of McDonald's All-Americans and five-star prospects. Instead, it's a testament to experience, overcoming adversity, exceptional player development, and the power of a collective chip on their shoulder. They are, in essence, a Goliath forged from Davids, a collection of individuals who found their true potential under the tutelage of head coach Bruce Pearl.

Pearl, a master motivator and talent developer, has built a program that thrives on finding diamonds in the rough. He sees potential where others overlook it, and he possesses an uncanny ability to mold players into their best selves. This Auburn team, with eight seniors in its rotation, is a testament to his vision.

Here's a closer look at the diverse paths that brought these Tigers together, showcasing the unique blend of talent and determination that defines this team:

Johni Broome (Senior)

Broome's journey is a prime example of the transformative power of the transfer portal. While he displayed immense talent at mid-major Morehead State, dominating the Ohio Valley Conference, he wasn't a national household name. He did however catch the eye of Auburn Head Coach Bruce Pearl when Broome and Morehead State came to play Auburn during his sophomore year. His move to Auburn elevated his game to an elite level, showcasing his ability to compete against the nation's best. Pearl's system has allowed Broome to refine his skills, becoming a dominant force in the paint leading to Broome being named SEC Player of the Year and a top candidate for National Player of the Year. His path underscores the reality that great players can emerge from any level of competition, given the right opportunity.

Chad Baker-Mazara (Senior)

A native of the Dominican Republic, Chad (CBM) embarked on a basketball journey that took him from high school in New Jersey to Duquesne, San Diego State, Northwest Florida State College, and finally to Auburn. His journey’s many twists and turns reflects the challenges and complexities that face today’s players when navigating the modern college basketball landscape. His raw talent has never been questioned. His raw emotion on the other hand has created a lot of volatility throughout his career. Under Pearl's guidance, he's found a system and a mentor that understands letting him be himself and playing with that passion can be his superpower rather than his kryptonite. For Auburn to make a deep run in the tournament this year, they’ll need it to be the superpower that is on display.

Denver Jones (Senior)

Denver's path to the Auburn Tigers basketball roster is a testament to his persistent climb. He started his collegiate career at Garden State Community College where he showcased his scoring prowess and potential, averaging over 19 PPG and over 40 percent three-point shooting. He then played for FIU, averaging over 20 PPG and earning All-Conference USA honors in his final year with the Panthers. Denver’s scoring and shooting ability earned him recognition at first two programs, but in his two years at Auburn he has also become an elite defender. He’s a semifinalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and brings a steadiness to this Auburn team. His unconventional trajectory highlights his determination to prove himself at the highest level of college basketball, and demonstrates Coach Pearl's ability to identify and cultivate talent from diverse basketball backgrounds.

Miles Kelly (Senior)

Another portal transfer, Kelly spent his first three seasons at Georgia Tech where he earned the reputation as a pure shooter with unlimited range and the ability to score in bunches. Seeking a fresh start and a system where his talents could reach their full potential, Kelly's move to Auburn under Bruce Pearl underscores the fluidity of the transfer portal era and the calculated risks players take to find their optimal fit. At Auburn, Kelly has flourished in a system where shooters always have the green light and trust from their teammates and coaching staff. He scored a season high 30 points while making 9 threes in a game against Kentucky at Rupp Arena, the site of Auburn’s first round games in this year’s NCAA tournament.

Dylan Cardwell (Graduate Student)

Dylan Cardwell's path to becoming the most winning player in Auburn program history is a testament to his dedication and growth. Arriving on the Plains at 6’11” with raw potential, Cardwell has steadily developed his skills and basketball IQ over his five years in the Auburn program. He embraced his role on the team, becoming a vital defensive anchor and a beloved figure within the program. He’s also embraced his role as an Auburn student and has become a fixture at other Auburn sporting events while cheering on his fellow student-athletes. His love for Auburn, coupled with his sportsmanship and work ethic, has allowed him to contribute to consistent success, culminating in a record-breaking career that speaks to his commitment and character.

Chaney Johnson (Senior)

Coming from UAH, a smaller DII program in North Alabama, Johnson's path was far from the traditional route. He wasn't a national name, but he demonstrated a relentless work ethic and a versatile skill set that caught Pearl's attention. His transfer into the talent rich SEC represented a leap of faith and a chance to prove himself against the very best. While Johnson played quality minutes last season and showed flashes of his elite athletic ability and potential, he’s taken on a much bigger role with this year’s Tigers, significantly upping his minutes and doubling his points per game. His story highlights the power of opportunity and the potential that exists beyond the spotlight of major recruiting rankings, showing that with dedication and the right fit, even an unorthodox path can lead to success at the highest level.

Chris Moore (Fifth Year Senior)

Perhaps no player on this team embodies the Bruce Pearl mentality of relentless effort and never getting outworked, like Chris Moore. A fifth year senior, Chris’s Auburn career has been a steady climb. He saw action in 25 games off the bench in both his freshman and sophomore years. His junior year he played in 31 games and earned a start in 16 games. Last season, Chris started in 26 of 34 games and saw his role increase significantly. While his stats won’t jump off the page, his impact on the team is often hailed by the Auburn coaching staff and his teammates. He is an incredibly physical defender who injects energy into the team when he’s on the floor. Coach Pearl has called him one of the most unselfish players he’s ever coached and a beloved teammate who has embraced his “less is more” role on this roster.

Ja'Heim Hudson (Senior)

Hudson began his college career at Georgia State, spending two seasons with the Panthers and helping them win the Sun Belt Conference Tournament in 2022. The following season, Hudson transferred to SMU where he put in valuable minutes off the bench for the Mustangs, averaging 5.4 points and 3.4 rebounds. But when the chance to join Auburn presented itself, Hudson saw it as an opportunity to achieve his dream of playing for championships at the highest level. Ja’Heim was given the nickname “Turtle” by his Aunt when he was a kid because he did everything so slowly, but his time at Auburn has been anything but. While Ja’Heim’s minutes have been limited, his physical presence and experience adds another valuable piece to this team’s extremely deep bench.

Tahaad Pettiford (Freshman)

Juxtaposed against this senior-laden patchwork of players is true freshman Tahaad Pettiford. This five-star point guard from Hudson Catholic Regional High School in Jersey City, New Jersey is a McDonald’s All-American and the third highest rated recruit in Auburn program history. His talent on paper is what you’d expect to see across the board on a typical overall No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. While his recruiting resume reads more Prince Charming than Cinderella, he’s embraced his role as a sixth man in the rotation on this experience-rich roster. Tahaad is an elite scorer and electric player off the bench who has the trust of his coaches and teammates as if he were a fifth year senior himself.

While these players make up the majority of Auburn’s rotation, other notable team members like senior point guard and Furman transfer JP Pegues, and freshman elite athlete Jahki Howard have overcome their own obstacles to land on this squad and put their fingerprints on this historic season as well. A season that includes a Maui Invitational Championship, a record 16 Quad 1 wins, eight consecutive weeks ranked AP #1, and an SEC regular season championship in what is widely considered the most talented conference in modern college basketball history. A pretty good Cinderella story already.

In a tournament where the top seeds are often defined by blue-bloods and one-and-done superstars, this Auburn team stands out as a refreshing contrast. They're a reminder that team chemistry, hard work, and a shared desire to prove doubters wrong can be just as potent as any collection of five-star pedigrees.

So, while they may be the top seed, make no mistake: this Auburn team carries the heart of a Cinderella story and there’s one final chapter they hope to write. This team has defied expectations, a collection of Davids who have come together to build a formidable Goliath. And that might just make them the most dangerous and compelling team in the NCAA tournament.

Footnote:

Coach Pearl's influence, like so many college coaches, extends beyond the field of play. He has fostered a culture of unity, selflessness, and family among his players. Every player understands their role and contributes to the team's success, becoming better individuals off the court as well as on it. The story of this Auburn Tigers team is a story of opportunities and second chances. The kind of opportunities that college athletics provides to so many student-athletes who are able to better themselves and their lives through sports, teams and mentorship.

There are 364 schools that field D1 men’s basketball programs. Of those, it’s estimated that less than 20 programs are consistently profitable. The opportunities that exist for players like Johni Broome, Chad Baker-Mazara, Denver Jones, Chaney Johnson and so many others to rise up the ranks, accomplish their dreams and better themselves through sports only exist if those sports and teams exist for them.

GameChange was created to give caring and passionate college sports fans an easy way to make an impact on the schools and sports they love, helping protect these opportunities for hundreds of thousands of NCAA student-athletes. With over 800 schools available on the platform, you can sign up for your school in minutes and who knows what Cinderella story your spare change will help write.

No. 1 Seed Auburn: A Cinderella Story in Disguise