In a night filled with emotion, triumph, and validation, Johni Broome, a former Auburn Tigers basketball standout, officially etched his name into the annals of professional basketball history. With the announcement of his selection by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2025 NBA Draft, Broome not only realized a lifelong dream but also joined an exclusive club of Auburn alumni to reach the next level. His journey from Morehead State to Auburn to the NBA is a testament to grit, growth, and the undeniable will to succeed.
The 76ers’ decision to invest in Broome speaks volumes about his basketball IQ, high motor, defensive prowess, and offensive polish. It also highlights how Auburn’s basketball program, under head coach Bruce Pearl, continues to produce NBA-ready talent that can make an immediate impact.
From Plant City to Stardom: Broome’s Unlikely Ascent
Hailing from Plant City, Florida, Johni Broome wasn’t a five-star recruit or a household name during his high school days. He began his college career at Morehead State, where he made an immediate impact, earning OVC Freshman of the Year honors and later being named the OVC Defensive Player of the Year.
His dominating performances in the Ohio Valley Conference made him one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal, eventually leading him to Auburn. It was at Auburn where Broome transformed from a mid-major marvel into an SEC-caliber two-way beast.
Auburn Years: Growth, Leadership, and Dominance
Broome’s time at Auburn was instrumental in shaping his NBA draft profile. In two seasons with the Tigers, Broome averaged 14.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, becoming a cornerstone of Bruce Pearl’s team on both ends of the court.
He brought consistency to the paint, anchoring the defense and routinely matching up against some of the top big men in the nation. Whether it was deterring shots at the rim, battling for second-chance points, or setting strong screens on the perimeter, Broome’s presence was always felt.
Off the court, he was revered for his quiet leadership and maturity—rare traits for a college athlete, let alone a transfer adjusting to a higher level of play. Pearl frequently praised Broome’s basketball IQ, saying, “Johni just understands the game. He’s coachable, tough, and brings his best every night.”
His steady performances helped Auburn reach multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, and his efforts didn’t go unnoticed by NBA scouts.
NBA Draft 2025: A Dream Fulfilled
On July 4, 2025, Johni Broome’s patience and hard work were rewarded when the Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the 41st overall pick in the second round of the NBA Draft.
For Broome, the moment wasn’t just about hearing his name called. It was about proving doubters wrong, validating the non-glamorous road he took, and honoring the family, coaches, and teammates who helped him along the way.
“I’ve worked my entire life for this,” Broome told ESPN after his selection. “From Plant City to Morehead to Auburn, every stop made me better. I’m ready to get to work in Philly and show I belong.”
Fit With the 76ers: A Perfect Match?
Philadelphia’s selection of Broome appears strategic and forward-thinking. With reigning MVP Joel Embiid commanding the low post and often needing help on the boards and defensively when he sits, Broome offers valuable depth.
He fits well into Nick Nurse’s system—a coach who loves mobile bigs who can defend multiple positions, rebound, and make intelligent decisions with the ball. While Broome may not have the shooting touch of a stretch five, his footwork, hook shot, and mid-range game are more developed than many second-round picks.
Scouts noted his “elite rim protection instincts,” lateral agility, and low foul rate as huge assets at the next level. And while his offensive game is still evolving, his ability to roll hard to the rim and finish through contact makes him a viable bench option in year one.
Auburn’s NBA Pipeline Grows Stronger
Johni Broome’s selection continues the positive trajectory of Auburn’s growing basketball reputation. Since Bruce Pearl took over, players like Chuma Okeke, Isaac Okoro, Jabari Smith Jr., Walker Kessler, and Sharife Cooper have all heard their names called on draft night.
Broome adds another layer to that legacy and showcases Auburn’s ability to develop talent regardless of its origin—whether from high school, junior college, or the transfer portal.
Former Auburn guard and current NBA player Jared Harper tweeted, “Proud of my guy @JohniBroome. Nobody deserves this more. Auburn family keeps winning.”
Auburn athletic director John Cohen released a statement congratulating Broome:
“Johni represents everything we value in a student-athlete—resilience, dedication, and excellence. We are beyond proud of his journey and look forward to seeing him succeed in the NBA.”
Community Reaction: Broome’s Journey Inspires
Back in Auburn and Plant City, the reaction to Broome’s draft selection was one of celebration and pride. Fans took to social media to share memories, photos, and highlight clips from his college days. Local watch parties erupted with cheers as his name was announced.
Plant City Mayor Rick Lott declared July 5th “Johni Broome Day” and announced a city parade in his honor. “Johni embodies the spirit of our city—hard-working, humble, and full of promise,” said Lott.
At Auburn, students and fans flooded Toomer’s Corner to roll the trees in celebration, a tradition typically reserved for big wins. But for the Auburn faithful, seeing one of their own make it to the league was as big as any NCAA tournament victory.
Broome’s Strengths & Areas for Growth
Strengths:
- Elite Rim Protection: Broome’s 2.3 blocks per game at Auburn are no fluke—he times shots well and rarely bites on fakes.
- Rebounding: A high-motor rebounder who understands positioning.
- Basketball IQ: He reads the game like a veteran, which makes him coachable and quick to adapt.
- Footwork: His low-post game, particularly his drop-step and hook, are refined and efficient.
- Leadership: Quiet but impactful, a stabilizing locker room presence.
Areas for Growth:
- Three-Point Shooting: While he occasionally spaced the floor at Auburn, he’ll need to improve his range and consistency from beyond the arc to thrive in today’s NBA.
- Lateral Quickness Against Guards: Switchability is key in modern defensive schemes, and while Broome is serviceable, he’ll need to sharpen his footwork against quicker wings.
- Passing: Though not a turnover machine, increasing his assists and seeing the floor better would elevate his offensive impact.
What’s Next for Johni Broome?
With Summer League action set to begin in Las Vegas, Broome will quickly get his first taste of professional competition. The 76ers are expected to give him solid minutes to evaluate his fit with the team and developmental trajectory.
If Broome impresses during the summer, he could earn a two-way contract or possibly a full-time roster spot. Even if he spends time with the 76ers’ G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, it will be an opportunity to further refine his game.
Given his work ethic, demeanor, and resilience, few would bet against Broome finding a way to stick.
Legacy at Auburn: Cemented
Broome leaves Auburn not just as an NBA Draft pick, but as a player who embraced the university and elevated the program. He wasn’t flashy, but he was dependable. He wasn’t loud, but his impact was thunderous.
Coach Bruce Pearl summed it up perfectly:
“Johni Broome made us better in every way. He came in, put his head down, and worked. Now the whole world gets to see what we already knew—he’s special.”
Final Thoughts: A Blueprint for the Future
In a landscape where flashy five-stars dominate headlines, Johni Broome’s story stands as a blueprint for what’s possible through work, character, and perseverance.
He didn’t take the easy road. He took the right road—and now it has led him to the City of Brotherly Love, where he’ll aim to become a part of a Sixers franchise hungry for success.
For Broome, this is just the beginning. For Auburn, it’s another proud chapter. And for young athletes watching around the world, it’s a reminder that no dream is too distant when you believe in yourself.
Welcome to the NBA, Johni Broome. The journey continues.
