The National Player of the Year (NPOY) race is heating up, and the basketball world is buzzing. On one side, there’s Cooper Flagg, the Maine event from Duke, whose versatility and game-changing plays have elevated the Blue Devils to new heights. On the other hand, Johni Broome, the powerhouse from Auburn, whose dominance on both ends of the floor has captivated fans and analysts alike.

But, the race for the Naismith College Player of the Year took a new turn following the recording breaking 42 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists performance from Flagg against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Analysts are finally considering him a genuine contender for the National Player of the Year award.

Mark Titus, on his podcast The Mark Titus Show, has finally conceded what many fans have been debating all season. Cooper Flagg is the only true challenger standing between Johni Broome and the coveted NPOY award. After Flagg’s show-reel-worthy performances against the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Titus couldn’t deny the gravity of Flagg’s case any longer.

In his podcast, he said,“I think throughout this season, he’s been solid, great”.’He went on to say “The second best player in the country, probably, behind Johni Broome, but he hasn’t really like grabbed the nation’s attention and shaken you and said, you must watch me play every single time I take the floor.”

Titus, however, conceded that Flagg is finally getting there. ” I think we are getting there with him, I think between the Pit game, where they beat Pit by 30 and he has the highlight dunk and follows it up with this Notre Dame performance”. ” I think we are there with Cooper Flagg now, and I wanna talk about it, the glazing might get out of control and I apologize in advance, but this kid is also unbelievable” 

Despite Cooper Flagg’s outworldly performances, you might think Johni Broome would still be the clear favorite to claim the NPOY, right? Well, no! In a shocking turn of events, Bruce Pearl, head coach of the Auburn Tigers, has confirmed that Broome has suffered an ankle injury and will be sidelined for the foreseeable future. While this news might seem like a golden opportunity for Flagg to solidify his case, it’s bittersweet.

Flagg may have just gained an edge in the race, but as a competitor, he’ll undoubtedly wish for Broome’s speedy recovery, just as we, the fans, do! So the question is how long will Johni Broome be out for? Let’s take a look at the current scenario surrounding Broome.

How long will Flagg’s arch nemesis be out for?

Head coach Bruce Pearl has confirmed that the Auburn superstar has suffered a ”nonsurgical” ankle sprain and will miss the next two games minimum. Broome left the South Carolina Gamecocks game at the 13:45 mark of the second half after appearing to roll his left ankle while going for a rebound. He was carried off the court with the help of two trainers, as he was unable to put any weight on his left ankle.

There’s no joy in seeing a player of Broome’s caliber sidelined. The basketball world will be hoping for a swift recovery for the Auburn star, but the NPOY race has just taken a dramatic and unpredictable turn and we as fans are in for a rollercoaster of a ride! Stay tuned to get the latest updates regarding the NPOY race.