Johni Broome, a former Auburn standout, has taken a monumental step in his basketball journey by being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2024 NBA Draft, marking a significant moment not only in his personal career but in the lineage of Auburn basketball and the broader narrative of underdog perseverance. In a world where instant stardom often overshadows development and discipline, Broome’s story is one of evolution, grit, and a relentless commitment to excellence. His selection by the 76ers places him in an exclusive fraternity of players who not only reached the NBA from a non-traditional route but did so with an aura of hard-earned legitimacy and respect.
Broome’s path to the NBA wasn’t conventional. Hailing originally from Plant City, Florida, he wasn’t a heavily recruited five-star out of high school. Instead, he began his collegiate career at Morehead State, a mid-major program in the Ohio Valley Conference. It was there that he began building his name through dominant play and sheer work ethic. During his time at Morehead State, Broome averaged double-doubles with consistency, displayed impressive shot-blocking ability, and quickly rose to become the anchor of the team on both ends of the court. His sophomore season saw him average 16.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks per game, drawing attention from higher-profile programs.
When he transferred to Auburn in 2022, the expectations shifted. The SEC represented a much higher level of competition, and many skeptics questioned whether Broome could replicate his mid-major dominance in a Power Five setting. Not only did he meet those expectations, but he exceeded them. Over two seasons at Auburn, Broome solidified himself as one of the best big men in the conference. He brought a blend of interior scoring, rim protection, rebounding, and leadership that made the Tigers formidable in SEC play. His impact was both statistical and intangible—he was the heart of Auburn’s frontcourt and a tone-setter on defense.
At Auburn, Broome’s presence was pivotal in maintaining Bruce Pearl’s squad as a consistent tournament-caliber team. He posted averages north of 14 points and 8 rebounds per game while shooting efficiently and acting as a deterrent for opposing players entering the paint. His ability to stretch the floor slightly, knock down mid-range shots, and make good decisions out of the post made him a modern big man prototype, albeit in a league increasingly skewed towards perimeter-oriented play. Still, his commitment to improving every year made him impossible to ignore.
Beyond the numbers, Broome’s intangibles set him apart. He was a high-character leader on and off the court, vocal in the locker room, and supportive of teammates. He developed a reputation for being coachable, adaptable, and deeply invested in his team’s success. That sort of character, when coupled with steady improvement and a strong physical profile, eventually caught the attention of NBA scouts. While he was not initially projected as a lottery pick, Broome climbed draft boards throughout the pre-draft process due to solid performances in workouts, interviews, and at the NBA Draft Combine.
Philadelphia’s selection of Broome speaks volumes. The 76ers, a team with championship aspirations, were not just looking for raw talent—they were searching for players who could contribute meaningfully in specific roles, provide depth, and bring maturity to a competitive locker room. Broome fits that mold perfectly. At 6’10” with a 7’1” wingspan, he brings size and length, which are critical assets in the NBA. But more importantly, he brings a willingness to do the little things—setting strong screens, boxing out, altering shots, running the floor hard, and staying ready when called upon.
For the 76ers, who have often struggled with depth in the frontcourt behind Joel Embiid, Broome represents a potential solution. His game isn’t built around flash—he won’t cross anyone over or pull up from 30 feet. But what he does provide is effort, intelligence, and an understanding of his role. Those qualities are rare in young players and incredibly valuable on teams with superstar centers and complex offensive ecosystems. Broome could easily become a rotation player who defends multiple positions, provides energy off the bench, and brings a blue-collar work ethic to the team’s second unit.
His selection also marks a significant moment for Auburn basketball. While Auburn has produced NBA talent in recent years—most notably Chuma Okeke, Isaac Okoro, Jabari Smith Jr., and Walker Kessler—Broome’s inclusion continues the program’s upward trend of sending well-developed, NBA-ready players to the league. It signals to future recruits that Auburn is a place not just for top high school talent, but also for players who want to grow, develop, and reach the highest level regardless of their starting point.
What makes Broome’s story particularly inspiring is that it reminds us that the NBA is not only for the elite few who dominate headlines from high school through college. It’s also for the grinders—the players who chip away at their weaknesses, respond to adversity with resolve, and lead with humility. Broome didn’t have a national spotlight when he began his journey, but through consistent production, a professional mindset, and faith in his process, he made it.
His journey also serves as a broader testament to the value of player development, not just in terms of skills, but in mental and emotional maturity. Broome used his college years wisely. He honed his body, sharpened his footwork, expanded his shooting range, and studied the game at a deep level. That level of preparation now equips him to step into an NBA role with confidence and readiness.
The NBA’s shift in recent years toward valuing versatile, team-oriented role players over one-dimensional scorers benefits players like Broome. He may never average 20 points per game, but he doesn’t need to. Teams like the 76ers are looking for the glue guys—those who make the right rotations, hustle for loose balls, finish in transition, and keep opponents honest with solid play in the paint. Broome has the tools to become exactly that, and more, depending on how his offensive game continues to evolve.
There’s also the matter of his personality. By all accounts, Broome is the kind of teammate every locker room needs. He’s humble but driven, aware of his roots, and grateful for the opportunities presented to him. In press conferences and interviews, he comes across as thoughtful and grounded. In a league where personalities can often overshadow performance, Broome offers a refreshing reminder that humility and excellence can coexist. That blend of character and capability will undoubtedly endear him to coaches, teammates, and fans alike in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia, a city known for its passionate sports culture, will find much to admire in Broome. His hustle, his resilience, and his willingness to do the dirty work will resonate with a fanbase that appreciates effort as much as it does skill. While he may not start immediately or log major minutes out of the gate, he will undoubtedly earn his stripes through practice, hustle plays, and a readiness to perform whenever his number is called. That’s how players like Broome carve out long, meaningful NBA careers.
Looking ahead, Broome’s development at the professional level will be closely watched. If his collegiate trajectory is any indication, he will continue to rise. The work ethic that took him from overlooked prospect to SEC standout, and now to the NBA, doesn’t just disappear—it sharpens. Surrounded by world-class trainers, nutritionists, and development staff, Broome has every opportunity to grow into a consistent contributor at the next level.
He may not yet be a household name, but Broome’s arrival in the NBA is emblematic of a larger truth: greatness often emerges from patience, persistence, and the unglamorous work that happens away from the spotlight. In a draft filled with hype and headlines, his selection by the 76ers cuts through the noise to deliver a quiet, powerful message—character and consistency still matter.
And so, as Johni Broome begins this next chapter in the City of Brotherly Love, he carries with him the hopes of fans, the pride of Auburn alumni, and the spirit of every player who dared to dream beyond the stars others had drawn for them. His story is not just one of personal triumph, but a blueprint for how the game should be approached: with passion, purpose, and a willingness to earn everything. Philadelphia has gained more than a player—they’ve gained a culture-setter, a winner, and a worker. For Broome, the journey is far from over—but this chapter, marked by his selection into the NBA, is already a testament to everything he has stood for from day one.
