In a move that has captivated the college basketball community and beyond, Netflix has announced the release of a powerful new documentary chronicling the rise of the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball team under the leadership of Bruce Pearl. Coming on the heels of Pearl being named National Coach of the Year, the documentary delivers an in-depth and emotionally charged look at how one coach transformed a struggling program into a national contender, redefining the culture of Auburn basketball along the way.
This upcoming Netflix original doesn’t just document wins, losses, and tournament runs—it captures the heart of a team that dared to believe it belonged among college basketball’s elite. Produced over the span of two seasons with full access to practices, team meetings, locker room speeches, and personal player stories, the documentary paints a vivid portrait of a program fueled by grit, unity, and unrelenting passion. Viewers will be taken on a journey from Auburn’s underdog roots to their rise to prominence, culminating in Bruce Pearl’s crowning moment as the nation’s top coach.
At the center of it all is Pearl himself, a fiery, passionate leader whose coaching style is as dynamic as his personality. Known for his emotional courtside demeanor, bold recruiting strategies, and deep connection with his players, Pearl has built more than just a successful program—he’s cultivated a basketball family. The documentary explores the depth of those relationships, as Pearl opens up about the personal struggles, professional obstacles, and unwavering values that have shaped his career.
“This isn’t just about basketball,” Pearl says in an early segment of the film. “It’s about belief. It’s about teaching young men how to fight for each other, how to face adversity, and how to grow into leaders.” His words echo throughout the film, underscoring the deeper themes that define Auburn’s journey: resilience, loyalty, and the pursuit of excellence.
The documentary kicks off by revisiting Pearl’s early days at Auburn—when expectations were low, facilities lagged behind SEC powerhouses, and critics doubted his ability to turn things around. But through detailed interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, Netflix shows how Pearl began to reshape the culture. From emphasizing community engagement and academic accountability to revamping the team’s playing style into an aggressive, high-tempo offense, every move was intentional. And it paid off.
Former and current players are featured throughout, offering emotional testimonies of their time in the program. NBA-bound stars like Jabari Smith Jr. and Walker Kessler talk about how Pearl challenged them beyond the court. “Coach Pearl believed in me before the world knew who I was,” says Smith. “He held me to a higher standard, and that changed my life.” Such reflections provide insight into how Pearl’s mentorship extended beyond game plans and practice drills—it became about molding men of character and discipline.
Perhaps the most riveting moments in the documentary are those that spotlight Auburn’s Cinderella run to the 2019 Final Four, a historic milestone for the program. Through a blend of archival game footage, sideline audio, and raw locker room reactions, viewers relive the highs of buzzer-beaters, emotional wins, and the controversial loss to Virginia. These scenes are not just exhilarating—they are deeply human, revealing the emotions, sacrifices, and intensity that define the journey to greatness.
But the film doesn’t shy away from challenges. It tackles the criticism and investigations Pearl faced throughout his career, including the NCAA scrutiny during his earlier coaching stints. Rather than avoiding these topics, the documentary places them in context, highlighting how Pearl has evolved and learned from the past. It reveals how adversity shaped his character and solidified his commitment to doing things the right way—both on and off the court.
Viewers also get unprecedented access to the Auburn campus, the new practice facilities, the fan culture, and the famed “Jungle”—Auburn’s student section known for its electric energy. The film captures the bond between the team and its fanbase, portraying a community that rallied around its team and coach with unshakable support. “You don’t just play for Auburn,” says senior guard K.D. Johnson. “You play for everybody who bleeds orange and blue.”
Basketball analysts such as Jay Bilas, Rece Davis, and former players like Charles Barkley lend their perspectives as well, offering praise for the transformation Auburn has undergone. Barkley, an Auburn alum, speaks candidly about what Pearl’s tenure has meant to the university. “Bruce didn’t just change Auburn basketball,” he says. “He made us believe we could be champions. He made us relevant. That’s legacy work.”
The documentary also features personal moments with Pearl’s family, shedding light on the sacrifices made by those behind the scenes. His wife, Brandy, shares the emotional toll coaching at this level can have, and how their shared faith and love for Auburn kept them grounded through every twist and turn. “There were days we doubted, days it felt like the weight was too much,” she reflects. “But Bruce never gave up. And neither did we.”
The cinematography is top-notch, blending dramatic slow-motion sequences with sweeping aerial shots of Auburn’s campus and raucous game nights at Neville Arena. The score swells during key emotional arcs, particularly in scenes where players reveal their personal struggles and triumphs—whether battling injuries, balancing academics, or managing the pressure of national expectations. One standout segment highlights the recruitment of lesser-known athletes who eventually became team cornerstones—underscoring Pearl’s eye for potential and commitment to development.
In the final act, the film circles back to Pearl’s Coach of the Year honor, showing the moment he learned of the award. Tears fill his eyes as he addresses the team, thanking them for trusting him and pushing themselves. “This isn’t my award,” he says. “This is ours. Every one of you earned this with your heart.” It’s a powerful reminder of what true leadership looks like—humble, grateful, and team-focused.
Critics who have previewed the film are already hailing it as one of the most authentic and emotionally resonant sports documentaries of the decade. Unlike many coach-focused projects that lean too heavily on game highlights or career stats, this documentary is a celebration of human spirit and collective will. It’s about what happens when vision meets opportunity, and how one coach’s relentless belief reshaped a program’s destiny.
As Auburn fans prepare to relive their favorite memories, basketball lovers around the world will have the chance to witness a story that transcends sport. It’s not just a story of victories, banners, or trophies—it’s the story of a leader who turned doubters into believers, of players who grew into men, and of a university that rallied behind a dream.
Whether you’re a die-hard Auburn supporter, a college hoops enthusiast, or simply a fan of compelling storytelling, this documentary delivers a riveting and inspiring experience. In an era where authenticity and passion often feel rare, Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers serve as a timely reminder that the underdog can rise—and sometimes, rise all the way to the top.
The Netflix documentary is scheduled to premiere later this year, with a global release across all regions. Fans can expect exclusive interviews, never-before-seen footage, and a front-row seat to one of the most extraordinary transformations in college basketball history. As Bruce Pearl himself puts it, “This journey was never just about basketball. It was about building something that would last.”
