Cooper Flagg and Johni Broome Narrow the Competition for KenPom Player of the Year
As the 2024-2025 college basketball season progresses, the race for KenPom Player of the Year (POY) has become increasingly competitive, but two names have begun to rise above the rest: Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Auburn’s Johni Broome. Both players have taken their respective programs to new heights this season, establishing themselves as two of the most dynamic forces in college basketball.
KenPom, the advanced metrics-driven platform known for its player rankings and statistical breakdowns, has long been a key indicator of individual performance. While many players dominate the highlight reels, the KenPom rankings focus on efficiency, productivity, and overall impact on the game. Cooper Flagg and Johni Broome have excelled in these areas, pushing the narrative for POY forward with their unique skill sets, leadership, and undeniable impact on both sides of the ball.
At the forefront of this conversation, however, is not just their offensive dominance but their multifaceted contributions that make them stand out in the world of college basketball.
The Rise of Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg, a freshman at Duke, arrived in Durham with sky-high expectations. Regarded as the top recruit in the 2024 class, Flagg quickly proved that he was more than capable of living up to the hype. Standing at 6’8″ with the versatility of a guard and the skillset of a modern forward, Flagg has already emerged as one of the most complete players in the country.
His stats through the early portion of the season are a testament to his well-rounded game. Averaging 18.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game, Flagg has become a statistical marvel. He’s shooting 50.2% from the field, 36% from beyond the arc, and 80.4% from the free-throw line. Those numbers alone highlight his efficiency, but it’s his ability to impact all aspects of the game that make him so special.
One of Flagg’s most impressive traits is his ability to control a game without necessarily needing to dominate the ball. His basketball IQ is beyond his years, allowing him to make key plays in transition, set up teammates, and control the tempo of the game. On the defensive side, his size and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions, making him an elite shot-blocker and rebounder. His long arms and quick reflexes allow him to alter shots at the rim and secure boards against bigger players. Additionally, his ability to read passing lanes and create turnovers has been a huge asset for the Blue Devils.
What stands out most about Flagg’s season is his consistency in big games. Against top-ranked opponents, he has risen to the occasion time and again. In a showdown against the reigning ACC champions, Flagg put up 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists, completely changing the game with his defensive pressure and ability to convert in clutch moments. His leadership has also been crucial, as he has stepped into a leadership role on a talented Duke roster and helped maintain the team’s focus throughout challenging stretches.
Perhaps the most telling sign of Flagg’s importance to the Blue Devils is how they perform when he is on the floor. Duke has outscored opponents by an average of 15 points per 100 possessions with Flagg on the court—a true testament to his efficiency and his ability to raise the level of his team. With his combination of scoring, playmaking, defense, and leadership, Flagg has quickly cemented himself as a top contender for KenPom’s Player of the Year honors.
Johni Broome: Auburn’s Dual-Threat Star
While Flagg has taken the spotlight in Durham, another player has been making waves in the SEC and putting up historic numbers for Auburn: Johni Broome. The senior forward, who transferred to Auburn after spending two years at Morehead State, has been one of the most dominant forces in college basketball this season.
Broome’s numbers are staggering, averaging 21.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game, while also shooting 53.7% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range. His offensive efficiency and ability to score in a variety of ways have made him one of the most dangerous players in the country. But it’s his versatility that truly sets him apart.
On offense, Broome has the ability to operate inside and out. He’s a physical presence in the paint, able to score through contact with his combination of strength and finesse. He can also stretch the floor with his impressive three-point shooting, which adds an extra dimension to Auburn’s offense. Broome has developed a deadly mid-range game, giving opposing defenders fits as he uses a variety of moves to create space for himself.
What separates Broome from other forwards is his basketball IQ. He understands how to read defenses, making him an exceptional passer and playmaker. While he can score efficiently in the post, he also excels in the pick-and-roll, dishing out assists to his teammates when the defense collapses on him. He leads the Auburn offense with poise, and his decision-making and patience make him a true leader on the floor.
However, it’s Broome’s defensive impact that has truly elevated him into the conversation for KenPom Player of the Year. At 6’9″ and with impressive length, Broome is a constant presence on the defensive end, able to guard multiple positions and protect the rim with his shot-blocking ability. He leads the SEC in blocks and is a key reason Auburn ranks as one of the top defensive teams in the country. His ability to anchor the defense allows Auburn to play aggressive, pressure-packed basketball while still maintaining control in the paint.
Broome’s performances in big games have solidified his case for POY. In a thrilling win over Kentucky, Broome posted a stat line of 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks, leading Auburn to a crucial victory on the road. In a showdown against Alabama, Broome contributed 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocks, proving that he can dominate against the best competition in the country. As the focal point of Auburn’s offense and defense, Broome has helped push the Tigers to the top of the SEC standings.
Broome’s impact on Auburn’s success cannot be overstated. With him on the floor, Auburn has a +12.4 point differential, showing that he’s a major factor in both the offensive and defensive efficiency of the team. His leadership, work ethic, and ability to dominate on both ends of the floor have made him one of the most well-rounded players in college basketball this season.
The KenPom Metrics: Why These Two Players Lead the Race
KenPom’s Player of the Year is not determined solely by points per game or highlight-reel plays. Rather, the metrics used by KenPom focus on efficiency and overall impact. Both Cooper Flagg and Johni Broome excel in this area, making them two of the top candidates for the award.
Flagg’s offensive efficiency rating of 124.8 and his defensive rating of 92.3 highlight his all-around game and his ability to affect the game on both ends of the floor. His combination of shooting, passing, and defensive prowess make him one of the most efficient players in the nation. Additionally, his ability to elevate his teammates and contribute to Duke’s success in high-stakes games has been key to his POY candidacy.
Broome’s numbers are equally impressive. His offensive efficiency rating of 130.4 and defensive rating of 95.1 make him a dominant force in both facets of the game. Broome’s ability to score efficiently while also contributing as a playmaker and shot-blocker has made him a highly efficient player for Auburn. His +12.3 point differential and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways have made him a candidate for POY honors.
The KenPom rankings also take into account a player’s usage rate, which measures the percentage of a team’s plays that a player is involved in. Both Flagg and Broome rank highly in this category, as they are the focal points of their respective teams’ offenses. Flagg has a usage rate of 23.8%, while Broome’s usage rate stands at 28.6%, indicating that both players are involved in a significant portion of their teams’ offensive possessions.
The Road Ahead
With the race for KenPom Player of the Year heating up, the remaining weeks of the season will be crucial for both Cooper Flagg and Johni Broome. As the Blue Devils look to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, Flagg will have to continue to be the driving force behind Duke’s success. Meanwhile, Broome will need to keep Auburn competitive in the always-tough SEC, where teams like Alabama and Kentucky are hot on their heels.
What’s certain is that both Flagg and Broome have done more than enough to justify their place among the best players in college basketball. Their unique skill sets, combined with their leadership and impact on the game, have set them apart from the competition, narrowing the field for KenPom Player of the Year.
As March Madness approaches, basketball fans across the country will be watching intently to see which of these two stars will claim the coveted POY honors. One thing is for sure: Cooper Flagg and Johni Broome have firmly placed their mark on the 2024-2025 college basketball season.