Johni Broome: Auburn’s Star on the Brink of Greatness
In the world of college basketball, few players have made as bold a statement as Johni Broome. Back in February, Broome confidently told ESPN, “I think I am the best player in college basketball, but that’s something that doesn’t have to be said.” Now, as the Auburn Tigers prepare for the Final Four, Broome has the opportunity to prove his claim on the grandest stage.
Broome’s journey to this point has been anything but easy. The Tigers have endured a season filled with intense SEC battles and injuries, including an elbow injury that briefly sidelined Broome during the Elite Eight. Yet, here they are, with Broome leading the charge into the Final Four. His primary competition for the national player of the year title is Cooper Flagg of the Duke Blue Devils, and a potential rematch looms in the national championship game. But first, Auburn must overcome Florida on Saturday.
Despite setbacks, including losses to Duke in December and Florida in February, which ended a 14-game winning streak, Broome’s confidence remains unshaken. “It’s one of those things where you let your work speak for itself and let everybody else talk about it,” he told ESPN.
Broome’s path to stardom wasn’t paved with five-star recruit status or early NBA draft projections. He began his collegiate career at Morehead State, where he honed his skills and developed into a player worthy of high-level Division I programs. When he transferred to Auburn for the 2022-23 season, he joined a team previously anchored by Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler, both of whom were high NBA draft picks. Broome, however, had to earn his accolades through continuous growth, improving from 14.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game in his first season to an impressive 18.7 points and 10.9 rebounds this season.
The transfer portal era has been a game-changer for players like Broome, offering them a chance to reshape their careers. If Broome’s story culminates in a national title, he will not only become a legend among Auburn fans but also a symbol of the transfer portal’s potential. Auburn coach Bruce Pearl even remarked, “I would think that he’s got a chance to have been maybe the most impactful transfer in college basketball history.”
During the Elite Eight matchup against Michigan State, Auburn fans held their breath as Broome left the court with an injury. However, he returned to the game, much to the relief of the Auburn faithful. Assistant coach Steven Pearl noted, “Obviously, it’s a sigh of relief because we felt like we could still win the game without him, but obviously, we’d have our hands full in San Antonio [without him].”
Broome’s leadership extends beyond his on-court performance. He has become the glue that holds the team together, fostering a culture of camaraderie and resilience. His teammates, including Chaney Johnson, speak highly of his influence. Broome’s ability to bring people together is evident in his relationships with teammates like Tahaad Pettiford and Miles Kelly.
- Broome’s playful nature off the court contrasts with his serious demeanor on it.
- His alter ego, “JB4,” emerges during games, driving him to dominate.
- Broome’s 25-point, 14-rebound performance against Michigan State was his 20th double-double of the season.
Broome’s journey is a testament to the changing landscape of college basketball. Auburn’s success challenges the traditional powerhouses, proving that a team with just one five-star recruit can compete at the highest level. As Broome and the Tigers continue their quest for a national title, they are rewriting the rules of what it means to be a contender in the transfer portal and NIL era.
As Broome stood on the court in Atlanta, celebrating Auburn’s second Elite Eight victory in school history, he reflected on his legacy. “I hope I go down as one of the best,” he said. With two more games to play, Broome’s story is far from over, and the basketball world is watching with bated breath.
Originally Written by: Myron Medcalf
