“Historic Slam: Johni Broome Makes NCAA History with Unprecedented 2,500-Point, 1,500-Rebound, 400-Block Feat—Becomes First-Ever Unanimous First-Team All-American in Program”:
Historic Slam: Johni Broome Makes NCAA History with Unprecedented 2,500-Point, 1,500-Rebound, 400-Block Feat—Becomes First-Ever Unanimous First-Team All-American in Program
In a season defined by excellence, dominance, and heart, Auburn Tigers’ star forward Johni Broome has etched his name into the annals of NCAA basketball history. With a statistical resume that looks like something out of a video game—2,500 points, 1,500 rebounds, and 400 blocks—Broome has become the first player in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history to reach all three benchmarks in a career. But the milestones don’t stop there.
Broome was also named a unanimous First-Team All-American, making him the first player in Auburn men’s basketball history to earn that distinction. A journey that began with quiet determination and a chip on his shoulder has now exploded into an unforgettable legacy of greatness.
When Johni Broome transferred to Auburn from Morehead State, few predicted the sheer magnitude of his impact. But Broome wasn’t looking for hype. He was looking to prove he belonged on college basketball’s biggest stage—and he has done that and more.
This season, Broome became just the second SEC player to score over 2,500 career points and grab 1,500 rebounds, but he separated himself from all others by also tallying 400 career blocks. No player in NCAA history had previously reached all three thresholds. It’s not just a statistical anomaly—it’s a testament to years of consistent, elite-level performance on both ends of the court.
“He’s the ultimate two-way player,” said Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl. “Offensively, he’s a force. Defensively, he’s a wall. And most importantly, he’s the heart and soul of our team.”
Broome’s journey began at Morehead State, where he quickly established himself as a double-double machine. After earning Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-OVC honors, he transferred to Auburn ahead of the 2022–23 season.
What followed was a remarkable transformation—not just for Broome but for the Auburn program as a whole. He elevated the Tigers with his presence, turning in highlight-reel performances on a near-nightly basis. Over his three seasons with Auburn, Broome averaged 17.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game.
“I wanted to challenge myself in the SEC,” Broome said earlier this year. “I believed I could play with the best, and Auburn gave me that chance.”
He didn’t just play with the best. He became one of the best—if not the best.
Broome’s historic feat came during Auburn’s electrifying 89–77 win over rival Kentucky in the SEC semifinals. He entered the game needing just 18 points and six rebounds to reach the 2,500-point, 1,500-rebound plateau. Midway through the second half, Broome secured his ninth rebound off a missed three-pointer, prompting a standing ovation from the sea of orange and blue at Bridgestone Arena.
Moments later, he blocked a fast-break attempt—his 400th career swat.
The game was paused briefly, and the arena announcer shared the news. Fans erupted as Broome raised both arms skyward. It wasn’t just a milestone. It was a coronation.
“That was the loudest I’ve ever heard Auburn fans on the road,” said teammate Tre Donaldson. “We knew how much it meant to him, and we were all so proud.”
When the major All-American teams were released—Sporting News, Associated Press, USBWA, and NABC—Broome’s name appeared on all of them as a First-Team selection, making him the first player in Auburn Tigers men’s basketball history to become a unanimous First-Team All-American.
“It’s hard to put into words,” said Bruce Pearl. “This is a program that’s produced NBA All-Stars, Final Four heroes, and SEC champions. But Johni Broome stands alone in this regard. He’s the first, and he earned it.”
The unanimous selection is not just a reflection of Broome’s stats—it’s recognition of his leadership, toughness, and consistency. He led Auburn in scoring, rebounding, and blocks, and he anchored the Tigers’ top-five ranked defense.
Bruce Pearl didn’t mince words when asked what Johni Broome means to the Auburn program.
“He’ll have a statue one day outside Auburn Arena,” Pearl said with a smile. “What he’s done for this school is legendary. He didn’t just fill a stat sheet—he changed the culture.”
Pearl credits Broome for helping take Auburn from a tournament-caliber team to a Final Four contender. Under Broome’s leadership, Auburn clinched a 28–6 record this season, made another deep NCAA Tournament run, and finished No. 3 in the final AP rankings—their highest since the Charles Barkley era.
The reaction from teammates was unanimous—just like the All-American vote.
“Johni’s the GOAT,” said fellow starter Chad Baker-Mazara. “Nobody’s done what he’s done, and nobody will ever forget it. I’ve learned so much just being around him.”
Freshman center Parker Jefferson, who’s expected to carry the torch next year, called Broome his “big brother” and “blueprint.”
“He took me under his wing from day one,” Jefferson said. “He didn’t just show me how to be a great player. He showed me how to be a great teammate.”
Broome’s list of accomplishments is staggering:
And perhaps the most impressive stat of all: Broome never missed a single game in his college career. A testament to his durability, professionalism, and commitment.
He’s currently projected as a second-round pick, but scouts believe his elite defensive instincts, improved perimeter shooting, and leadership qualities could boost his stock in pre-draft workouts.
“He’s the kind of guy every NBA locker room needs,” said one anonymous scout. “He’s a worker. He wins. And he makes everyone around him better.”
Even as Auburn prepares for life without its generational big man, Broome’s legacy continues to ripple through the program.
Incoming five-star recruits have cited Broome’s development as a reason they chose Auburn. Younger players are modeling their games and habits after his. And Bruce Pearl has made it clear that the culture Broome helped build will endure.
“Johni showed what it means to be an Auburn Man,” Pearl said. “He’s left behind a blueprint for greatness—and we plan to follow it.”
Johni Broome’s story is one of belief, resilience, and greatness. From a lightly recruited big man at Morehead State to the face of Auburn basketball, he has authored one of the most remarkable careers in NCAA history.
His historic 2,500-point, 1,500-rebound, 400-block milestone isn’t just a statistical marvel—it’s a symbol of his all-around excellence. And his unanimous First-Team All-American honor isn’t just recognition—it’s validation.
In a sport defined by fleeting moments, Broome has created a legacy that will last forever. Auburn will never forget him. College basketball won’t either.
He’s not just a Tiger. He’s a legend.