COLUMN | How a Historic Basketball Season Became a Way of Life
“Call God.”
These two words resonate louder than a buzzer-beater echoing in a packed arena. They represent an entire season filled with unforgettable experiences, intense rivalry clashes, and the communal joy shared amongst countless fans. As we reflect on five exhilarating months of Auburn basketball, it’s clear that the journey culminating in San Antonio felt less like a series of games and more like a lifestyle, a deep-rooted passion that every student and fan embraced.
A Season to Remember
Auburn’s journey this year was marked by incredible triumphs: crowned Maui Invitational Champions, clinching the SEC Regular Season Title, and achieving recognition as the winningest team in program history. These milestones stand testament to a team that, for many, became more than just a group of athletes—they became a source of pride and community.
Though I am merely a freshman in my second semester on the Plains, my love for Auburn has been deeply ingrained since childhood. With a legacy of family ties—my father and sister, both proud alumni—orange and blue runs through my veins like a vibrant river. Growing up, I remember fervently defending my alma mater’s honor, even if it meant enduring the eye rolls of classmates who grew tired of my unwavering enthusiasm.
Bridging the Gap Between Past and Present
Witnessing Auburn football against Vanderbilt in the press box while grappling with the team’s losses made me think, “At least we have basketball.” For a university typically celebrated for its football prowess, these thoughts might not resonate with long-time fans. However, many students now argue that basketball games create a more vibrant atmosphere than football can muster.
The community surrounding this basketball team has transformed into a family. The interactions between players like Dylan Cardwell, Chad Baker-Mazara, and Johni Broome with fans became genuine, memorable exchanges—a bond that fueled the enthusiasm radiating throughout Auburn’s vibrant campuses. The passion was palpable, and the love was infectious.
The Heartbeat of the Campus
Everywhere I look, I see students proudly wearing “Call God” shirts and the new SlamU merch featuring stars like Broome and Tahaad Pettiford. Those catchy phrases have transcended basketball; they’ve become a form of expression for our shared experiences as Auburn students.
Even during casual games at the Rec, I find myself unexpectedly greeted by students breaking into the “Call God” celebration, a reminder of how deeply this team has intertwined with our lives. It’s not merely basketball; it’s a cultural phenomenon connecting us all.
Fanaticism in the Face of Adversity
Camping out for days leading up to the highly anticipated Alabama and Florida games, despite our team’s losses, was remarkable. Nothing quite matches that fervor of bonding with fellow students, tossing footballs, watching games on big screens, or singing late into the night. Living through those formidable conditions served to strengthen our camaraderie, crafting unforgettable memories.
I’ll never forget when coaches and players visited us, delivering food, sharing laughs, and engaging in games of poker. Those moments captured the essence of community, enhancing our shared love for Auburn basketball.
An Electrifying Atmosphere
Inside The Jungle, the environment during games is electric. From watching the myriad of fans waiting in line for hours, to the wild energy as the team enters the arena, the atmosphere is intoxicating. The intense hype video preceding the game, the communal echo of “War Eagle, Hey!”, and the roar of over 100 decibels—everything three-beats-to-a-buzzer unites us as one collective spirit.
Venturing beyond our campus, my friends and I became “witnesses” to history as we cheered the team on in various arenas. Watching them claim victories away from Auburn felt like true home games flooded with orange and blue as we rounded out unforgettable days in places like Stegeman Coliseum and Colonial Life Arena.
Dreaming Big
Recently, witnessing State Farm Arena adorned in 90% orange and blue as we celebrated our second-ever Final Four appearance was jaw-dropping. The electric moment when Broome made that pivotal 3-point shot during the Elite Eight game showcases the magic this team has been weaving through our lives.
Going to San Antonio for the Final Four was surreal—a culmination of a dream come true. This isn’t just about sports; it’s about moments and stories we’ll cherish for a lifetime.
A Season for the History Books
Reflecting on an astounding season, it almost feels like yesterday when Miles Kelly set the court ablaze with three-pointers in his debut, or when the team danced to “It’s Great To Be An Auburn Tiger.” The joy resonating through each victory echoes in our hearts—these experiences aren’t fleeting; they cement themselves as pivotal memories in our Auburn journey.
Thank you, Auburn basketball, for giving us an extraordinary season filled with highs and lows, for the exhilarating moments at Toomer’s Corner, and for the joy you brought to our campus.
At its core, this was not just about a series of games; it was passion, love, and a lifestyle that united us all. Let’s keep this momentum alive and carry it into the next chapter—War Eagle!
