Who Is Johni Broome? Stats, NIL, and Everything You Need to Know About Auburn’s Explosive 6′10″ Forward

Considered one of the top college basketball players this season, Johni Broome, Auburn’s standout power forward, continues to excel, guiding his team to an unbeaten streak in their first seven games. The 6-ft-10 star is one of the favorites to win the NPOY this year as he establishes himself as an impenetrable force in the paint.

With versatility and defensive capabilities under his belt, the forward is climbing the ladder of becoming one of the most stellar collegiate athletes of the season. Here’s everything you need to know about the 22-year-old who’s proclaiming his dominance on the court.

The road to Auburn: Johni Broome’s story

Born in Plant City Florida, basketball has been an integral part of Johni’s life as he grew up. He played two seasons, with the Plant City High School, where he averaged 19.6 points and 10.9 rebounds per game accumulating a double-double in his time over.

After winning the Hillsborough County Player of the Year in 2019-20, he showcased his ability further, transferring to Tampa Catholic where he guided his team to the 5A state semi-finals twice. As a junior, he averaged 15.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.

As he transitioned to college, Johni chose to join the Morehead State Eagles. As a freshman, he led his team from the front, earning the title of OVC Freshman of the Year. During his time with the Eagles, Johni recorded the most rebounds (271) and blocks (56) as a freshman.

Starting in 27 out of the 30 games he played, Johni averaged 13.8 points per game, ranking second overall in terms of rebounds (9 per game) in the OVC. He scored his career-high, 27 points against the Belmont in the OVC Championship game, ending the season with 13 double-doubles tied for 11th in NCAA, and was named to OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll for the 2020-21 season.

With the new season in 2021-22, Johni came back stronger and broke records up and down. What could have been Johni’s sophomore year didn’t count toward his eligibility, thanks to the NCAA’s decision to give athletes a break during the 2020-21 season due to COVID-19 disruptions. This ruling allowed him to keep an extra year of eligibility while continuing to develop his game.

Johni made history as he became only the second player in his program’s history to earn the OVC Defensive Player of the Year award. While he played in all 34 games that season, he recorded MSU’s single-season record with most blocked shots (131). Johni averaged 16 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, gathering a total of 23 double-doubles ranking in the top five of the nation and only second behind the program’s record (28), while also scoring a season-high 32 points versus Murray State in the OVC Championship Game. Truly becoming a season to remember.

After a remarkable season, Broome entered the transfer portal where he was persuaded by the Auburn Tigers as they looked forward in search of a frontcourt player after losing their All-American pair, Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler. The forward was more than happy to return to Florida as he became one of the key off-season additions to Auburn’s program. The 6’10” has been part of the Auburn ever since.

Till now, he has played 77 games in three seasons for Auburn, starting all but one of them. In his sophomore year (2022-23), he played all 33 games averaging 14.2 PPG with 8.4 RPG, ranking in the top 3 rebounders. He also scored his 1000th career point against Winthrop that season.

As a junior, Broome made history by earning All-America honors, becoming only the 14th player in Auburn basketball’s 118-year rich history to earn the title. He scored 16.5 ppg with an outstanding 8.5 RPG (ranked number 2 nationally).

With the current season in progress, Auburn has played nine games and Johni has started in all nine. Averaging 19.6 ppg, while ranking second in terms of rebounding at 11.9 rpg. As far as his NIL value goes, it has not been disclosed but it is predicted to be anywhere between six to seven figures.

As Johni enters his senior year, an NBA draft selection feels just around the corner. This isn’t his first opportunity as Johni had already taken part in the NBA combine.

Johni’s return to Auburn after the NBA combine

In May, the NBA G League held its camp which Johni Broome was a part of. In his first game, Broome gathered 23 points with only 4 rebounds. By day three, it was clear that Broome was among the top talents across the nation, so it came as no surprise when Johni received an invitation to the NBA Combine.

Despite giving his name for the 2023 NBA draft, coach Bruce Pearl wanted nothing but success for the talented athlete. However, he would have rather that he stayed back as well. Talking to Auburn Basketball, Pearl mentioned back in May 2023, We’re rooting for Johni on one hand. On the other hand, we’d obviously love to have him back because he could be one of the best players preseason in college basketball next season.”

Johni scored a total of 20 Points with 11 rebounds in one of the NBA Combine games. As the next step was closer than he realized, after some feedback, he ultimately chose to return to Auburn to hone his skills even more and be ready to go pro at his next roundabout.

Fans welcomed him back as he announced that he’d be playing with the Tigers for the next season. “It was amazing,” he said. “They all welcomed me back with open arms.”

Johni Broome will be eyeing the NCAA title this year as he leads his team from the front, with Auburn standing sixth in the SEC at 8-1. His leadership on both ends of the court, coupled with his determination and skills, makes the Tigers a formidable opponent this season.