Johni Broome has been making noise both on and off the court this season. With his dominating presence in the paint and sharp wit online, the Auburn star isn’t afraid to take a shot—whether it’s at the rim or a rival. Broome’s stellar performances have cemented Auburn as a force to be reckoned with, but it’s his recent clapback that has fans talking. After all, when it comes to Yale, Broome is making it clear: the past is the past, and this year is different.

The spark for Broome’s witty comeback was lit under an Instagram post by Auburn Men’s Basketball celebrating the team’s extraordinary start to the season. The post, titled “Elite squad led by the Big Dog 🐶,” detailed Auburn’s remarkable stats. Blake Lovell’s breakdown was reposted, highlighting Auburn’s 11-1 record, a top 10 strength of schedule, and two wins against AP Top 5 opponents.

Amid the celebration, Brice June cheekily commented, “They don’t wanna see Yale,” a pointed jab at Auburn’s painful loss to the Bulldogs last year. Broome wasted no time firing back. With his reply—“No available information” followed by a laughing emoji—Broome not only poked fun at June’s lack of an ESPN game log but also subtly asserted Auburn’s dominance this season.

That comment hit home because last year’s loss to Yale still lingers in the minds of Auburn fans. In one of the most dramatic finishes of the season, Auburn trailed by three with 33.6 seconds to play. Broome, always clutch under pressure, drew a foul and nailed two free throws to bring the Tigers within one.

Yale responded with two free throws of their own, extending their lead to 77-74. Auburn’s last three attempts—a deep three-pointer and two contested tip-ins—missed, handing Yale the stunning victory. For a team with high expectations, the 78-76 loss was a bitter pill to swallow. But that heartbreak set the stage for a season unlike any other—a chance for redemption and dominance.

Johni Broome’s redemption: Auburn’s roar returns

This season, Auburn looks every bit like a team on a redemption arc. Behind Broome’s dominant play, the Tigers have been nothing short of spectacular. His averages of 18.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game speak to his versatility and leadership. Auburn’s stats are equally jaw-dropping.

They’ve outscored opponents by a margin of +192 in non-Q1 games, boast a 6-1 record in Q1 games (all away from home), and have the highest offensive rating of the KenPom era at 131.2. The Tigers are not just winning; they’re obliterating the competition.

Broome, affectionately referred to as “the Big Dog,” has become the heart and soul of this Auburn squad. Whether on social media or the hardwood, his impact is undeniable. “They don’t wanna see Yale” may have been a sly nod to last year’s defeat, but Broome’s response and Auburn’s performance suggest they’re ready for any challenger. The team’s confidence is palpable, and with their current form, it’s hard to argue against it.

This year, when the Tigers take the court, they’re playing with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove. If last year’s Yale loss was a wake-up call, this season is Auburn’s answer. Broome’s jibe might have been playful, but it carried a serious undertone: Auburn is here to win, and there’s no place to hide.