In a major development that sent shockwaves through SEC basketball circles, the Auburn Tigers have secured a pivotal piece for their 2025 roster puzzle. Following Johni Broome’s long-anticipated declaration for the 2025 NBA Draft, Auburn wasted no time finding a replacement who could fill the gaping hole in the post. Their solution? Former Florida State forward Malique Ewin, a versatile big man who officially committed to Auburn earlier this week, giving Bruce Pearl and the Tigers a much-needed boost in the frontcourt.
The End of a Dominant Era: Broome’s Departure
Johni Broome’s time at Auburn will be remembered as one of the most dominant runs by a big man in recent Tigers history. After transferring from Morehead State, Broome blossomed under Pearl’s system, showcasing elite footwork, soft touch around the rim, and tenacity on the boards. In his final season, he averaged 17.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, anchoring the Tigers on both ends of the floor. His efforts not only helped Auburn reach the NCAA Tournament but also earned him All-SEC First Team honors and national attention.
Broome’s decision to declare for the NBA Draft wasn’t a surprise. He had already tested the waters previously, but after a standout 2024-25 campaign and a growing buzz among scouts, the 6-foot-10 powerhouse officially made the leap. Auburn fans sent him off with applause and appreciation, but the coaching staff knew they had urgent business to attend to—finding a replacement who could continue the program’s upward trajectory.
Enter Malique Ewin: A New Chapter Begins
Malique Ewin may not yet be a household name in the SEC, but those who have followed his journey understand why Auburn targeted him. A former four-star recruit out of Georgia, Ewin committed to Ole Miss before transferring to Florida State. At 6-foot-10 and 245 pounds, he brings a combination of size, skill, and athleticism that made him a coveted prospect in the transfer portal.
While his time at Florida State was somewhat quiet statistically—he averaged 6.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in 18.7 minutes per game last season—Ewin showed flashes of brilliance that made him a breakout candidate. Playing behind veterans and amid a deep Seminoles rotation limited his opportunities, but his per-40 numbers and advanced metrics painted a different picture: Ewin was efficient, physical, and ready for a bigger role.
That bigger role has now arrived, and it’s coming in one of the nation’s toughest conferences. Ewin officially committed to Auburn on Friday, announcing his decision via social media with the caption: “Ready to make the Jungle roar. War Eagle.”
A Seamless Fit in Bruce Pearl’s System
Bruce Pearl’s fast-paced, physical brand of basketball has always thrived with skilled big men who can run the floor, defend multiple positions, and finish in transition. Ewin checks all those boxes. What separates him from many other forwards is his mobility. Despite his size, he moves well laterally, a trait that will be key in Auburn’s switch-heavy defensive scheme.
Offensively, Ewin brings a face-up game that Pearl can mold. He’s comfortable operating out of the high post and has shown a willingness to take mid-range shots. While his perimeter game is still developing, his touch around the rim and passing vision make him a weapon in high-low sets and pick-and-roll actions. With Auburn’s stable of perimeter shooters, Ewin won’t need to be the focal point offensively—but he’ll be a dangerous complementary piece.
Ewin also excels as a rebounder, something Broome did at an elite level. Auburn finished last season among the SEC’s top three in rebounding margin, and maintaining that edge will be crucial. Ewin’s physicality and nose for the ball make him a likely candidate to replicate Broome’s rebounding presence.
Reactions from Around the Program
Bruce Pearl was quick to praise his newest addition, stating during an off-season press conference, “Malique is a guy we’ve had our eyes on for a while. We love his size, toughness, and upside. He brings an edge to the court and has the hunger to prove he can dominate at this level. We think he’s going to thrive in our system.”
Auburn’s returning players also took to social media to welcome Ewin, with junior guard Aden Holloway tweeting: “Big man coming in hot! Let’s work, Malique!” The chemistry-building process has already begun, with reports that Ewin will join the Tigers for summer workouts in June.
Meanwhile, former FSU head coach Leonard Hamilton expressed his support for Ewin’s decision, saying, “Malique is a great young man. He worked hard here, and we wish him nothing but the best at Auburn. I believe he’s ready to take that next step and show what he’s capable of.”
Filling Broome’s Shoes: A Tough but Doable Task
Replacing Johni Broome is no easy feat. He was the heartbeat of the Tigers for two seasons, and his leadership both on and off the court will be missed. But Malique Ewin doesn’t have to be a carbon copy of Broome. He just needs to be the best version of himself—and if he can take a leap in development, Auburn might not miss a beat.
Statistically, Auburn will look for Ewin to provide at least 10+ points and 7+ rebounds per game, with rim protection and interior defense being a top priority. Broome’s 2.3 blocks per game made him one of the most intimidating defenders in the SEC, and while Ewin’s shot-blocking numbers weren’t eye-popping, his length and timing give him the tools to be a deterrent in the paint.
The Bigger Picture: Auburn’s 2025 Outlook
With Ewin now in the fold, Auburn’s frontcourt for 2025 looks promising. He’ll likely start alongside returners like Jaylin Williams or stretch-forward Dylan Cardwell (if he returns for a graduate year). The addition of Ewin also eases pressure on Auburn’s incoming freshman class, which includes top-75 recruit Kendon Carlyle and others expected to contribute right away.
The Tigers were already shaping up to be a top-20 preseason team, but with Ewin’s commitment, their ceiling just got higher. Pearl has now added a battle-tested big man with untapped potential, positioning Auburn for another SEC title chase and deep NCAA Tournament run.
Transfer Portal Mastery: Pearl’s Continued Success
Bruce Pearl has once again proven he’s among the elite when it comes to navigating the modern transfer portal era. Over the past few seasons, Auburn has successfully brought in impact transfers like Walker Kessler, K.D. Johnson, and of course, Johni Broome. Ewin joins a line of reinforcements who have come in, developed quickly, and played key roles in Auburn’s national relevance.
Pearl’s ability to identify portal talent, sell his vision, and maximize player strengths continues to pay dividends. While other programs scramble to rebuild in the offseason, Auburn seems to reload with precision—and Ewin could be the next gem to shine on the Plains.
A Message to the SEC: Auburn Isn’t Going Anywhere
Auburn’s message is clear: the Tigers aren’t rebuilding—they’re reloading. With Broome off to the NBA and a new frontcourt centerpiece in place, the Tigers are poised to remain a force in the SEC. Malique Ewin’s commitment is not just a win in the portal—it’s a statement to the rest of the league.
With Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Arkansas all jockeying for position at the top of the conference, Auburn’s move to grab Ewin ensures they won’t be left behind. In fact, they might just lead the charge.
Looking Ahead: Summer Development and 2025 Season Goals
The next few months will be crucial for Ewin as he gets acclimated to Auburn’s culture, playbook, and expectations. Summer practices and team bonding trips—often a hallmark of Pearl’s offseason program—will give Ewin a chance to develop chemistry with his teammates.
Auburn fans can expect to see Ewin in action during the Tigers’ international summer tour (location TBA), where early glimpses of his fit in the lineup will be on full display. These exhibitions have served as launching pads in the past for breakout players—and Ewin could be next in line.
Final Thoughts: From Tallahassee to the Plains
Malique Ewin’s journey is still unfolding, but one thing is certain: he’s arriving at Auburn at exactly the right time. With a chip on his shoulder, a new opportunity, and one of the best coaching staffs in college basketball behind him, the former Florida State forward has the chance to become a key figure in the next great chapter of Auburn hoops.
For Auburn fans still savoring the memories of Johni Broome’s brilliance, a new era dawns—and with Malique Ewin in orange and blue, the future looks just as promising.