Johni Broome: Auburn PF/C Dominates in April 2025 SEC Tournament
Johni Broome has been a force in college basketball as Auburn’s standout big man. The 6’10” senior has established himself as one of the most dominant two-way players in the country, earning SEC Player of the Year honors and leading the Tigers to the Final Four. His impressive skill set as an interior finisher with passing feel and tone-setting defense makes him one of the most complete big men in the 2025 NBA Draft class.
What makes Broome’s journey particularly compelling is how he’s elevated his game on college basketball’s biggest stage. As Auburn made its Final Four run, Broome’s leadership and consistency helped the Tigers reach new heights. He’s not just a college standout – he’s chasing history for both himself and the Auburn program, proving to be perhaps the most impactful transfer of the portal era.
His college resume speaks volumes: ranking 35th all-time in career scoring with 1,043 points and sixth in career blocked shots with 156 for the Tigers. NBA scouts are intrigued by his defensive versatility, post scoring, and basketball IQ – attributes that should translate well to the next level despite questions about his outside shooting.
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Johni Broome’s Early Life and Career
Johni Broome’s journey to basketball prominence began in Plant City, Florida, where he was born on July 19, 2002 to John and Julie Broome. His name continues a family tradition – his father is John, his brother is John Jr., and he got “Johni”.
High School Achievements
At Plant City High School, Broome quietly developed his game away from the national spotlight. Standing at 6-foot-10, Broome showed flashes of the defensive prowess that would later define his collegiate career.
Despite his size and skill, Broome wasn’t highly ranked among his peers. He averaged 15.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks during his senior year, earning All-County honors but receiving limited national recognition.
His development came through persistence rather than immediate acclaim. Coaches noted his exceptional timing on blocks and rebounding instincts, skills that would serve him well at the next level.
College Recruitment
Broome’s recruiting journey didn’t feature the pageantry typically associated with future college stars. He was rated as a three-star prospect by most recruiting services, landing outside the top 300 nationally.
Morehead State took a chance on the under-recruited big man, offering him an opportunity to contribute immediately. This decision proved mutually beneficial as Broome quickly established himself as one of the Ohio Valley Conference’s premier players.
His recruitment story exemplifies the imperfect science of talent evaluation. Many high-major programs that passed on Broome would later watch him dominate after his transfer to Auburn, where he’d collaborate with the coaching staff to refine his already impressive skillset.
Auburn Tigers Career
Johni Broome transformed Auburn’s basketball program since his arrival, becoming the cornerstone of Bruce Pearl’s squad. His elite shot-blocking ability combined with his scoring touch made him one of the SEC’s most dominant big men.
Seasonal Performance
Broome’s statistical impact at Auburn has been remarkable. After transferring from Morehead State, he immediately established himself as a force in the SEC.
In 2022-23, his first season with the Tigers, Broome averaged 14.2 points and 8.4 rebounds while blocking 2.4 shots per game. His efficiency in the paint was evident with a field goal percentage of 52.6%.
The 2023-24 campaign saw Broome elevate his game significantly. He posted 16.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, shooting an impressive 54.8% from the field.
| Season | PPG | RPG | BPG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 14.2 | 8.4 | 2.4 | 52.6% |
| 2023-24 | 16.4 | 8.9 | 2.9 | 54.8% |
His 2024-25 season has been his most dominant, averaging over 18 points and 10 rebounds per game, making him the only player in the country with at least 18 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks per game.
Notable Achievements
Broome’s trophy case has filled quickly during his Auburn tenure. He earned Third Team Associated Press All-America honors and established himself among Auburn’s all-time greats.
He ranks 35th in school history in scoring with over 1,000 career points and sits sixth in career blocked shots with 156, demonstrating his two-way impact.
Broome collected multiple SEC Player of the Week honors throughout his career. His defensive presence earned him recognition on the SEC All-Defensive Team.
His performance in key games against ranked opponents solidified his reputation as a big-game performer. Broome particularly shined in Auburn’s tournament runs, leading the Tigers with clutch performances when stakes were highest.
Leadership and Team Impact
Broome’s impact extends beyond statistics. As Auburn’s emotional leader, he set the tone in practice and games alike.
His vocal presence and work ethic raised the standard for teammates. In critical game situations, Pearl’s offense frequently ran through Broome in the post, demonstrating the coach’s trust in his judgment and execution.
NBA scouts have taken notice of Broome’s development, with draft analysts projecting him as a potential late first-round pick. His shot-blocking ability and expanding offensive repertoire make him an intriguing prospect at the next level.
His greatest contribution might be his defensive anchoring. Auburn’s defensive efficiency numbers improved dramatically with Broome protecting the rim, allowing perimeter defenders to play more aggressively knowing he was behind them.
Statistical Overview
Johni Broome has established himself as one of the premier big men in college basketball through his impressive statistical production at Auburn. His numbers reveal a versatile player who impacts both ends of the floor consistently.
Scoring Prowess
Broome’s offensive game has been remarkable throughout his collegiate career. The 6-10 forward ranks 35th all-time in career scoring at Auburn with 1,043 points, showcasing his reliability as a scoring threat.
His inside presence creates matchup problems for opponents, allowing him to maintain efficient shooting percentages. The super senior utilizes a polished post game combined with improving mid-range touch to generate offense.
NBA scouts have taken notice of Broome’s scoring ability, with many viewing him as a potential second-round selection in the 2025 draft. His ready-made offensive game makes him an intriguing prospect who could contribute immediately at the next level.
| Season | PPG | FG% | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 15.2 | 54.3 | 8.7 |
Defensive Contributions
Defensively, Broome has been nothing short of elite. His shot-blocking ability stands out, as he ranks sixth all-time in Auburn history with 156 career blocks. This rim protection anchors the Tigers’ defense and deters opponents from attacking the paint.
Beyond shot-blocking, Broome demonstrates excellent anticipation in passing lanes, generating STL opportunities that trigger fast breaks. His defensive positioning and basketball IQ allow him to make impact plays without fouling.
The Plant City, Florida native earned AP All-America Third Team honors largely due to his two-way impact. At 240 pounds, he possesses the strength to defend post players while maintaining enough mobility to guard in space when switched onto smaller players.
College Basketball Scene
Johni Broome has emerged as one of the most impactful players in college basketball, particularly within the challenging landscape of the SEC. His presence on the court has helped elevate Auburn’s program and created compelling storylines throughout the season.
SEC Dynamics
In the 2024-25 SEC basketball season, Johni Broome has established himself as a dominant force in the conference. Auburn’s big man has been consistently challenging the conference’s elite programs, including Florida, with his versatile inside-outside game.
Broome’s ability to patrol the paint while stretching defenses with his improved three-point shooting has created matchup nightmares for SEC opponents. After briefly exiting with an arm injury in a crucial conference game, he returned and immediately hit a three-pointer, showcasing his resilience and offensive versatility.
His performance alongside teammate Chaney Johnson has been particularly noteworthy, as the duo led Auburn to a convincing victory over Ole Miss in SEC play, further cementing the Tigers’ standing in the conference hierarchy.
Broome’s SEC Impact Stats 2024-25
| Stat | Average | SEC Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 16.8 | 4th |
| Rebounds | 9.5 | 2nd |
| Blocks | 2.3 | 1st |
| FG% | 54.2% | 3rd |
NCAA Tournament Performance
Broome’s tournament play has elevated his national profile significantly. His leadership guided Auburn to the Final Four, where the team prepared to face elite competition on college basketball’s biggest stage.
Auburn’s preparation for the Final Four showcased Broome’s focus and leadership, with media coverage highlighting his importance to the Tigers’ tournament run. His matchup against Michigan State in the tournament path demonstrated his ability to perform against diverse playing styles.
NBA scouts have taken notice of Broome’s tournament performances, with his draft stock rising to late first-round projections. His defensive versatility and developing offensive game make him an intriguing prospect at the next level.
What separates Broome in tournament play is his clutch performance in high-pressure situations and his ability to impact games even when his shooting isn’t at its best.
Rivalries and Noteworthy Matchups
Broome’s performances in rivalry games have become the stuff of legend among Auburn faithful. His battles against traditional SEC powers have produced some of the season’s most memorable moments and hilarious basketball moments that have gone viral.
Against Florida, Broome dominated with a season-high in points while showcasing his full arsenal of post moves. The matchup highlighted his growth as a player and his ability to rise to the occasion against top competition.
Broome and the Tigers taking the court against their rivals has become appointment viewing for college basketball fans. His combination of intensity and skill has made him a central figure in the SEC’s competitive landscape.
NBA scouts particularly note his performance against projected lottery picks. Broome has consistently held his own or outplayed higher-ranked prospects, suggesting his professional ceiling may be higher than initially projected.
Player Development and Practice Regime
Johni Broome’s rise to becoming one of college basketball’s dominant big men stems from his meticulous approach to skill development and rigorous practice habits. His transformation from Morehead State transfer to Auburn star showcases a blueprint of dedicated improvement.
Offseason Work
During the offseason, Broome focuses intensely on expanding his offensive repertoire. He spends roughly three hours daily in the gym working on post moves, particularly his left-hand finishing which has become significantly more reliable.
Broome’s strength training regimen deserves special attention. He’s added nearly 15 pounds of muscle since arriving at Auburn while maintaining his mobility – a critical factor for his NBA potential.
His shooting development has been particularly noteworthy. Broome dedicates 500 shots per day from mid-range and has extended his reliable range to 15 feet, with some improvement in his three-point shooting as well.
NBA Draft Outlook:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Mock Draft Position | Late 1st/Early 2nd Round |
| Wingspan | 7’4″ |
| Vertical Leap | 34″ |
| Key Improvement Area | Face-up Shooting |
In-Season Training
Broome’s in-season practice approach is balanced between maintenance and game preparation. He typically prioritizes film study, spending 45 minutes daily analyzing opposing centers’ tendencies.
Despite his recent elbow injury, Broome has maintained form during Auburn’s tournament run, averaging an impressive 17.3 points and 13.3 rebounds. His ability to maintain productivity while managing injuries speaks to his professional approach.
Broome has become a critical passing facilitator from the low post during in-season development. This skill enhancement has made him more difficult to double-team and raised his NBA stock considerably.
His defensive positioning drills occupy a significant portion of his practice time. Coach Pearl emphasizes Broome’s timing on shot blocking, a skill that translates well to the next level.
Future Prospects and Draft Potential
Johni Broome’s NBA stock has risen dramatically during Auburn’s Final Four run. The 6-foot-10, 235-pound big man is now firmly on NBA radars for the 2025 draft.
Multiple mock drafts have Broome projected as a selection, though opinions vary on his ceiling. The AP All-American brings a polished interior game that translates well to the next level.
Broome’s defensive prowess remains his calling card. He’s a legitimate rim protector who can anchor a defense – a skill always in demand at the professional level.
On offense, his interior finishing and passing feel make him an intriguing prospect. He’s not just a scorer but a facilitator from the post.
2024-25 Season Statistics
| Category | Average |
|---|---|
| Points | 20.0 |
| Rebounds | 12.0 |
| Assists | 4.0 |
| Blocks | 3.0 |
| FG% | 57% |
While some scouts question his star potential, one report suggests he “lacks upside to be a star and is likely not even a long-term starter.” However, his floor appears to be a solid rotation player.
The Atlanta Hawks are among teams reportedly interested in the Auburn senior. His experience and maturity could make him an immediate contributor.
As a super senior, Broome offers NBA teams a ready-made game without significant development needs. His performance during March Madness has only strengthened his case.
Potential NBA Impact and Fit
As Johni Broome prepares for the transition to the NBA, his unique skill set positions him as a versatile asset for potential teams. His ability to dominate in the paint with efficient scoring and elite shot-blocking makes him an intriguing prospect for franchises seeking a two-way player. Broome’s impressive wingspan of 7’4″ and vertical leap of 34 inches contribute to his defensive prowess, allowing him to protect the rim effectively and alter opponents’ shots.
Offensively, Broome’s development in post moves and mid-range shooting can translate well to the professional level, providing teams with a reliable scoring option in the half-court. His capability as a passing facilitator from the low post adds another dimension to his game, enabling him to create opportunities for teammates and diversify offensive strategies.
Moreover, his experience in high-pressure situations, showcased during Auburn’s tournament runs, indicates that he can perform under the spotlight—a critical trait for NBA players. As teams look for players who can contribute immediately, Broome’s maturity and readiness as a “super senior” can be appealing to franchises aiming to bolster their frontcourt depth.
Defensively, Broome’s ability to switch onto smaller players and guard multiple positions will be invaluable in today’s fast-paced NBA, where versatility is key. His work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement, particularly in areas like face-up shooting and conditioning, suggest that he has the potential to develop further and adapt to the demands of professional basketball.
Overall, Johni Broome’s combination of size, skill, and experience positions him as a promising candidate for teams looking to enhance their rosters in the upcoming draft. As he continues to refine his game, NBA scouts will be closely monitoring his performance in workouts and pre-draft evaluations, eager to see how his collegiate success translates to the next level.
