In a season marked by exceptional talent and fierce competition across the college basketball landscape, one name rose above the rest: Johni Broome. The Auburn Tigers guard has officially been named the National Player of the Year by Athletic News, a prestigious honor that recognizes not only statistical dominance but also intangible leadership, clutch performance, and transformative impact on a program. For Broome and Auburn, this award is more than individual recognition—it’s a symbol of the Tigers’ ascent back into national prominence under head coach Bruce Pearl.
This season, Broome’s play electrified not just the Southeastern Conference (SEC), but the entire nation. From buzzer-beaters to lockdown defense, from offensive outbursts to emotional court leadership, Johni Broome was the total package—and Athletic News took notice.
Let’s dive into what made Johni Broome the nation’s best, and how his story might just be one of the most compelling in all of college basketball.
A Season to Remember
Dominating the Stat Sheet
Johni Broome finished the 2024-25 regular season with averages of 20.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game. He shot a career-high 51.2% from the field, while also developing a reliable perimeter jumper, knocking down 38.6% of his three-point attempts—a remarkable leap from his prior seasons.
These numbers don’t just show consistency; they reflect evolution. Broome came into the season known as a gritty, defense-first guard with flashes of offensive brilliance. He’ll leave it as a fully polished, two-way star.
The SEC’s Alpha
In one of the nation’s toughest conferences, Broome didn’t just hold his own—he ruled. He led Auburn to a 26-5 regular season record, including a 15-3 mark in SEC play, good enough to capture the regular-season title. Along the way, he notched seven 30-point games, including a dazzling 35-point, 12-rebound, 5-assist performance against Kentucky at Rupp Arena.
That game was a turning point in the national perception of Broome. Up to that moment, he was widely seen as an All-SEC lock. After it, he was viewed as a frontrunner for the Naismith and Wooden Awards.
A March to Remember
Though the Tigers ultimately bowed out in the Elite Eight in a hard-fought overtime loss to Arizona, Broome’s tournament performance was unforgettable. He averaged 24.1 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists in the NCAA Tournament, including a clutch game-winner against Baylor in the Sweet Sixteen and a 27-point, 13-rebound battle against Kansas in the second round.
Even in defeat, Broome left no doubt—he was the most complete, composed, and compelling player on the floor.
The Road to Stardom
A Transfer Who Took Over
Johni Broome’s story is unconventional. A Florida native, he began his college career at Morehead State, where he quickly made a name for himself in the Ohio Valley Conference. Despite standing just 6-foot-5, Broome played both guard and forward with unmatched versatility. His instincts, footwork, and tenacity set him apart.
After two stellar seasons, he transferred to Auburn in 2022. At the time, some wondered if he could replicate his dominance in the SEC. Those doubts were put to rest by midseason of his first year. Broome not only fit in—he stood out.
By his junior year, Broome was Auburn’s unquestioned leader. His tireless offseason work added muscle to his frame and depth to his skillset. He became more vocal, more resilient, and more refined.
Bruce Pearl’s Crown Jewel
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl has coached some elite talent in his time—Jared Harper, Bryce Brown, Isaac Okoro, Jabari Smith Jr.—but he’s never had a player quite like Johni Broome.
“He’s the heart of our team,” Pearl said during the SEC Tournament. “He leads by example, he puts in the work, and he raises everyone around him. Johni isn’t just a great player—he’s a great teammate and a great man.”
Pearl’s system allowed Broome to flourish, placing him in pick-and-rolls, iso situations, and defensive matchups where he could disrupt opposing stars. Their synergy is one of the key reasons Auburn made such a deep run this year.
Beyond the Numbers
A Cultural Touchstone at Auburn
Broome’s impact at Auburn went beyond the hardwood. He became a fixture in the local community—volunteering at schools, hosting youth clinics, and being a consistent presence at other Tigers sports events. Fans adored him not just for his game, but for his humility and heart.
Social media captured his viral locker room speeches, heartfelt postgame interviews, and the now-iconic moment when he gave his SEC Championship medal to a young fan battling leukemia. Those moments made him a hero in Auburn—not just a basketball star.
The Ultimate Student-Athlete
It’s worth noting that Broome excelled in the classroom as well. A communications major, he maintained a 3.7 GPA and was recently named a First-Team Academic All-American. In an era where NIL deals dominate headlines, Broome stayed focused on his degree and his game.
“I’ve always believed in doing things the right way,” Broome said in an interview with Athletic News. “Books, basketball, and bettering myself—that’s how I’ve approached every day.”
National Impact
Changing the Guard in College Hoops
Broome’s Player of the Year win marks a significant shift in how college basketball evaluates greatness. For years, high-profile blue blood programs and 5-star one-and-dones often dominated the national awards circuit. But Johni Broome—once a mid-major recruit—proved that experience, development, and grit still matter.
This award also puts Auburn squarely back in the national conversation. Though the Tigers reached the Final Four in 2019, they’ve struggled to get over the hump since. Broome’s leadership helped reset the culture and make Auburn a destination again.
NBA Scouts Take Notice
There’s no doubt Johni Broome will be hearing his name on NBA Draft night. While not previously viewed as a lottery pick, his rise this season has vaulted him into first-round consideration, and some insiders believe he could sneak into the late lottery.
Scouts are enamored by his high IQ, defensive versatility, and ability to create his own shot. What Broome may lack in traditional elite athleticism, he makes up for with relentless effort and supreme basketball instincts.
Reactions Across the Country
Praise From Peers
The reaction to Broome’s Player of the Year honor has been overwhelmingly positive. Kansas star freshman Derrick Whaley tweeted, “Broome deserves this. Dog all season.” Kentucky’s Rob Dillingham said during a media interview, “He cooked us. Respect.”
Even Caitlin Clark, the Iowa women’s basketball legend and two-time National Player of the Year, commented on an ESPN Instagram post: “Well earned ”
Broome’s humility showed again when asked about the praise: “I’m grateful. But this is for my teammates, my coaches, and the fans at Auburn. I just try to represent them every night.”
Legacy at Auburn
Etching His Name in History
Johni Broome leaves Auburn as one of its greatest players ever. He’s second all-time in steals, third in assists, and now first in scoring average for a single season. His jersey will undoubtedly hang in the rafters of Neville Arena someday.
He may not have brought home a national title, but what he gave Auburn was arguably just as valuable: belief, swagger, and relevance.
The Next Chapter
Whether Broome opts to return for one more season—he does have an extra year of eligibility—or enter the 2025 NBA Draft remains to be seen. Most believe he will declare, and if he does, he’ll leave on the highest possible note.
“I’m going to talk it over with my family and Coach Pearl,” Broome said after the season ended. “Whatever I do next, I know Auburn will always be home.”
Final Thoughts
The 2024-25 college basketball season gave fans plenty of thrilling moments and unforgettable players. But none loomed larger than Johni Broome. His combination of skill, heart, and leadership made him a transcendent figure in the sport this year.
By honoring Broome as National Player of the Year, Athletic News didn’t just reward excellence—they acknowledged a player who carried a program, inspired a fanbase, and left the game better than he found it.