Auburn Short-Handed in NIT After Star’s Sudden Departure

Auburn Loses Key Player Ahead of NIT Game After Unexpected Exit

Auburn will be without one of its top contributors for its upcoming NIT matchup, as forward KeShawn Murphy has abruptly ended his season and left the program.

Head coach Steven Pearl had previously indicated that the full roster would be available for the Tigers’ game against South Alabama. However, Murphy reportedly missed practice on Monday, signaling his decision to opt out. According to reports, Auburn’s coaching staff was not informed of his plans beforehand.

The timing is surprising, coming just a day after Pearl said no players had expressed intentions of sitting out the NIT. Auburn enters the tournament as a No. 1 seed after narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament, choosing to compete in the NIT while some programs declined invitations.

Pearl emphasized his team’s commitment to competing, framing the tournament as a valuable opportunity rather than a consolation.

Murphy, who transferred from Mississippi State after three seasons, made an immediate impact in his lone year at Auburn. He averaged 10.7 points and led the team with 6.8 rebounds per game across 31 appearances.

Despite his contributions, Auburn’s season fell short of expectations in Pearl’s first year at the helm. The Tigers finished 17–16, struggling late in the year by losing nine of their final 12 games after a promising start in SEC play.

The season was also marked by internal issues. Several players, including Murphy, faced disciplinary actions at different points. He was once benched for arriving late to a team film session, reflecting the program’s emphasis on accountability.

Tensions appeared to linger, as Murphy and teammate Keyshawn Hall were involved in a heated exchange during Auburn’s SEC Tournament loss to Tennessee—ultimately Murphy’s final game with the team, where he recorded eight points and three rebounds.

Now shorthanded, Auburn will move forward without one of its key players as it prepares to face South Alabama in the NIT, with tipoff scheduled for 9:05 p.m. CT on ESPN2.