Overton re-tooling his game — and his communication strategy

Kevin Overton is a passionate person and he’s not planning to change that. Still, the Tigers’ senior guard says he wants to communicate his emotions with a little less fire a little more introspection moving forward. He might even speak calmly most of the time. “I definitely think there were some moments (last season) that … it was hard for me to hold back just how I felt overall, especially when you’re losing,” Overton said. “We all had our show-too-much-emotion times, but I think this year is just showing to stay steady — especially for me and Tahaad.” Overton and junior Tahaad Pettiford were key contributors throughout the Tigers’ 2025-26 season, which started poorly with several lopsided losses. Things turned around in a big way in March, however, when the team reeled off five consecutive victories. That hot streak yielded a National Invitation Tournament title. THE MARCH RUN CHANGED THINGS Overton was at his best during Auburn’s final 10 games of the season. During that run, he averaged 17.9 points per game and shot 49 percent from beyond the arc. He became one of the nation’s most consistent shooters and contributors. Schools were interested. Overton had a chance to test the NIL waters and look for a bigger payday. In the end, the Oklahoma City native instead wanted another chance to collaborate with Pettiford and see what the two could accomplish with another year of growth. “It’s fun. He’s in the same position,” Overton said. “I kind of understand how he felt coming off the Final Four year. I was coming off the Elite Eight. We went through a lot together. I’m playing against him, he’s playing against me every day. We’re trying to make each other better and not really make it about too much other than that. It’s just — let’s just try to keep each other on a steady track and we’ll be all right.” Photo by Matt Rudolph/AuburnSports RE-INVENTING HIS ROLE Overton has work ahead. Used primarily as a perimeter shooter and transition passer last season, the 6-foot-5 guard says the Tigers’ new-look roster means he must make different kinds of contributions next season. The biggest change will be in the post, where 7-foot center Narcisse Ngoy and 7-foot-1 center Bukky Oboye will provide post power that Auburn lacked last season. Coach Steven Pearl also added a pair of power forwards — one with elite shooting range (South Alabama transfer Adam Olsen) and Creighton transfer Owen Freeman, who thrives in the paint. Overton wants to make sure those bigs get plenty of opportunities. “It’s just been teaching me how to take up space and be able to make other plays around the rim,” Overton said. “It’s really not about scoring for me now. I’m trying to make those second and third level plays. That’s my main focus of the summer and going into August. They’ve been what they needed to be so far, for sure.”