Auburn's Kaden Magwood Shines in NIT Debut, Earns Praise from Coach Pearl

The freshman guard scored a season-high 14 points off the bench, prompting his coach to tell him to 'keep making me look bad'.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:06am

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Auburn freshman guard Kaden Magwood had a breakout performance in the Tigers' NIT opener against South Alabama, scoring a season-high 14 points on 50% shooting and making 3 three-pointers. Head coach Steven Pearl praised Magwood's effort, telling him to 'keep making me look bad' because it makes the team look better. Magwood had seen limited playing time this season, with Pearl previously citing his defensive needs, but his strong NIT showing has provided a glimmer of hope for Auburn as they round out the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Magwood's emergence is significant for Auburn, as the Tigers have struggled this season and are now playing in the NIT. His strong performance off the bench could earn him more playing time and provide a boost for the team going forward. It also raises questions about why Magwood hasn't seen the court more often this year, despite his coach's praise for his abilities.

The details

Magwood, a former four-star recruit, has played in just 15 games this season for the Tigers, but he exploded for 14 points on 50% shooting, including 3-of-7 from three-point range, in Auburn's NIT opener against South Alabama. Head coach Steven Pearl praised Magwood's effort, telling him 'Keep making me look bad. The more you make me look bad, the better our team looks.' Pearl had previously cited Magwood's defensive needs as the reason junior guard Blake Muschalek was playing over him, but with the sudden departure of KeShawn Murphy, Magwood saw a season-high 17 minutes against South Alabama.

  • Magwood scored a season-high 14 points in Auburn's NIT opener against South Alabama.
  • Magwood previously had only played in 15 games this season for the Tigers.

The players

Kaden Magwood

A freshman guard for the Auburn Tigers basketball team who had a breakout performance in the NIT opener.

Steven Pearl

The head coach of the Auburn Tigers basketball team, who praised Magwood's effort and told him to 'keep making me look bad'.

Blake Muschalek

A junior guard for the Auburn Tigers who had been playing over Magwood due to his defensive efficiency, according to Coach Pearl.

KeShawn Murphy

A player who suddenly departed the Auburn Tigers program before their NIT game against South Alabama, leading to an adjusted rotation that gave Magwood more playing time.

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What they’re saying

“I told him, 'Keep making me look bad. The more you make me look bad, the better our team looks.'”

— Steven Pearl, Head Coach, Auburn Tigers

What’s next

The one-seed Auburn Tigers will play Seattle U on Sunday in the Second Round of the NIT in Neville Arena. Television coverage can be found on ESPN 2.

The takeaway

Kaden Magwood's breakout performance in the NIT opener has provided a glimmer of hope for the Auburn Tigers, who have struggled this season. His strong showing off the bench could earn him more playing time and help the team as they round out the 2026 season. However, questions remain about why Magwood hasn't seen the court more often, despite his coach's praise for his abilities.