Tahaad Pettifor is a rising star for the Auburn Tigers. Last season, his performance caught the eyes of both fans and critics, making him one of the most talked-about players from Auburn. Behind his success stands a supportive family led by his parents, Tia Taylor Finch and Travis Pettiford. Let’s dive into who they are and how they’ve shaped this freshman standout.
The Story of Tia Taylor Finch and Travis Pettiford: The Support Behind Tahaad Pettiford
Tahaad burst onto the college basketball scene as a guard for Auburn in the 2024-2025 season. Hailing from Jersey City, New Jersey, he’s already turning heads with his skills.
His parents, Tia and Travis are the American duo proudly listed on his official Auburn Tigers roster. They’ve been key figures in his journey from high school phenom to college freshman.
Tia is Tahaad’s mother. Details about her life remain private, but her influence shines through her son’s achievements. Tahaad was a five-star prospect at Hudson Catholic Regional High School.
He averaged 20 points, five assists, and two steals per game in his senior year. His talent earned him a spot on the 2024 McDonald’s All-American team.
Tahaad’s father, Travis, brings his basketball legacy to the family. According to his official roster bio, he played forward for Montclair University from 1993 to 1996. Now, as noted on his LinkedIn profile, he works as a customer service representative at Choice Home Warranty.
Travis’s athletic background likely inspired Tahaad’s passion for the game. That passion led Tahaad to score 43 points against Memorial High School on February 7, 2024, crossing the 1,000-point mark in his high school career.
Tahaad’s freshman stats at Auburn are impressive. He dropped 24 points against Georgia on January 18, 2025. He also logged a career-high 26 minutes against Monmouth on December 30, 2024.
Off the bench, he contributed 21 points, three assists, and three rebounds in a 74-69 upset over fourth-ranked Houston. His parents must feel immense pride watching him shine.
Growing up, Tahaad faced challenges, like a junior-year injury that limited him to three games. Yet, he bounced back stronger, earning accolades like the New Jersey Boys Basketball All-State First Team.
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Tia and Travis likely played a steadying role during those tough times. Their American roots and dedication have fueled Tahaad’s drive, whether he’s nailing five three-pointers against Georgia or grabbing four steals against Mississippi State on January 14, 2025.
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