Kevin Overton Brings Sharpshooting and Versatility to Auburn
Overton, a 6-foot-5 guard, spent the 2024-25 season with the Red Raiders, where he averaged 7.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, shooting 42% from the field and 33% from three-point range. While his stats may not leap off the page at first glance, Overton is viewed as a dynamic scorer with shot-creating ability, a skill Auburn desperately needed after their perimeter struggles in the postseason.
Originally a three-star recruit in the 2023 class, Overton began his college career at Drake University, where he showed flashes of scoring brilliance. During his freshman year with the Bulldogs, he posted 11.2 points per game, and in his lone NCAA Tournament appearance against Washington State, he knocked down two triples. That performance, paired with his season-long consistency, caught the attention of larger programs, prompting his move to Texas Tech.
At Texas Tech, Overton played 22 games and had a few standout performances, including two 20-point outings. One of those came during the Big 12 Conference Tournament against a tough Arizona Wildcats team, showing that he can deliver in big moments.
Statistically, Overton’s advanced metrics are solid: he ranks in the 63rd percentile for points per possession and 73rd percentile for shot-making, according to ShotQuality. These numbers reinforce what Pearl likely sees in him — a player who can reliably generate offense and knock down contested shots, especially from deep.
Auburn’s Offseason Shuffle: Replacing Chad Baker-Mazara
The addition of Overton comes just as Chad Baker-Mazara, one of Auburn’s top guards, entered the transfer portal. Baker-Mazara was a key piece of Auburn’s 2024-25 roster, so his departure left a notable gap. But Auburn didn’t waste any time plugging that hole, and Overton will be expected to step into that role, if not elevate it with his three-level scoring and shooting potential.
Overton isn’t arriving alone. Auburn’s offseason has been active, and the program also welcomed KeShawn Murphy and Keyshawn Hall, both of whom bring high-level production to the table.
- KeShawn Murphy played at Mississippi State, where he averaged 11.7 points per game last season. He adds length, size, and offensive versatility.
- Keyshawn Hall, a former UCF Knight, brings proven experience and impact-level play, having earned All-Big 12 honors in 2024-25. His combination of scoring and defensive potential makes him a valuable asset for Auburn’s rotation.
These three additions give Auburn one of the more intriguing offseason hauls in the SEC, and they’re clearly designed to provide better perimeter spacing and scoring depth — two things that were exposed as weaknesses during the Tigers’ Final Four loss.
Auburn’s Roster Outlook for 2025-26
With Overton, Murphy, and Hall joining the fold, Bruce Pearl is reshaping his team with a balance of shooting, size, and experience. Overton’s arrival addresses a clear need for consistent perimeter play, especially after the departure of Baker-Mazara. Pearl will likely task him with stretching the floor while also creating off the dribble when needed.
If Overton can raise his three-point percentage closer to 37-38%, he’ll be a major asset in SEC play. His ability to score in bursts — evidenced by his two 20-point games at Texas Tech — gives him the potential to be an X-factor in Auburn’s offense.
Meanwhile, the returning players on Auburn’s roster will benefit from less pressure to carry the scoring load. The Tigers have traditionally relied on aggressive defense and transition offense, and adding confident shooters like Overton fits right into Pearl’s fast-paced system.
Final Thoughts: A Strategic Move Toward Title Contention
The Tigers’ recent moves show that the program isn’t content with simply reaching the Final Four—they’re aiming to win it all. The memory of that ice-cold shooting night in the national semifinal is likely still fresh, and the staff clearly took it as a lesson to build a more well-rounded offensive team.
By landing Kevin Overton and surrounding him with talented new additions like Murphy and Hall, Auburn has set the stage for another deep postseason run — this time, with more offensive firepower and better spacing to avoid a repeat of their shooting woes.
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