Johni Broome, a former Auburn standout, has joined an exclusive group by being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2024 NBA Draft, marking a significant milestone in a basketball journey that has defied the odds and inspired countless others. His selection is not only a reflection of his talent but a testament to persistence, development, and the growing recognition of well-rounded big men in the modern game.
Broome’s journey to the NBA began far from the glitz and glamour of five-star recruiting camps and major prep school circuits. Raised in Plant City, Florida, he was overlooked by many top programs coming out of high school, despite showing flashes of greatness at Tampa Catholic. At one point, he had no major Division I offers. But rather than let this deter him, Broome used the slight as fuel. He eventually found an opportunity at Morehead State, a program not typically at the center of national college basketball attention. It was here that he first began to turn heads.
As a freshman at Morehead State, Broome quickly made a name for himself, averaging a double-double and leading the team to an Ohio Valley Conference championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance. His footwork, rebounding instincts, and interior presence set him apart. What made Broome special wasn’t just his ability to fill the stat sheet—it was his motor, his maturity, and his understanding of team basketball. After two stellar seasons, he entered the transfer portal, eager to prove himself on a bigger stage.
That stage turned out to be Auburn University, where Broome flourished under Bruce Pearl. He immediately became a centerpiece for the Tigers, helping Auburn remain nationally relevant. His presence in the paint, shot-blocking prowess, and underrated passing made him an indispensable part of the team’s identity. Though not the most athletic or flashiest big man, Broome had an old-school sensibility that blended seamlessly with modern skill sets: the ability to hit midrange jumpers, switch on defense, and play within a structured offense.
During his time at Auburn, Broome’s leadership and work ethic earned the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans alike. He was a stabilizing force on a team that saw plenty of turnover and competition in the rugged Southeastern Conference. Off the court, his humility and commitment to continuous improvement painted the portrait of a player who was never satisfied with past achievements. NBA scouts began to take notice, especially as Broome refined his face-up game, showed better conditioning, and developed more consistency from beyond the arc.
Despite all this progress, Broome wasn’t considered a surefire first-round pick heading into the 2024 NBA Draft. The draft process itself can be unpredictable, especially for big men who don’t have the prototypical vertical explosion or perimeter fluidity that modern offenses crave. Still, Broome worked out for several teams and impressed in interviews and scrimmages. Teams saw what Auburn fans had long appreciated—a fundamentally sound big with excellent timing, strong intangibles, and a willingness to do the dirty work.
When the Philadelphia 76ers selected Broome, it marked more than just a personal achievement. It was a moment of validation for players who take the less-heralded path to stardom. The Sixers, known for their focus on development and positional versatility, saw Broome as a valuable addition to their frontcourt depth. In a league that continues to evolve, a player like Broome—who brings both rim protection and efficient scoring in the post—can be a valuable asset, particularly in playoff environments where toughness and discipline often win out over flash.
For Philadelphia, Broome arrives at a time when the team is looking to reshape its supporting cast around its stars. Joel Embiid remains the centerpiece, but the need for reliable rotation bigs who can spell him without a massive drop-off has been a pressing issue. Broome offers a potential solution. While he will have to earn his minutes, his style of play aligns well with what the Sixers demand: effort, execution, and the ability to impact both ends without monopolizing the ball.
What makes Broome’s arrival even more compelling is the company he now keeps. Being drafted into the NBA places him among an elite group of athletes, but doing so after starting at a mid-major like Morehead State is exceedingly rare. This is a player who wasn’t on many radars just a few years ago, who had to prove himself at every level, and who used every slight and challenge as motivation. That resilience, more than any vertical leap or shooting percentage, is what will serve him well at the next level.
Broome’s story resonates because it mirrors the journey of countless players who dream of the NBA but face long odds. Not everyone will be a top recruit. Not everyone will be a lottery pick. But for those willing to grind, adapt, and commit to getting better every single day, there is a path. Broome carved that path with sheer will, supported by coaches who believed in him and teammates who trusted him. His ascent is a reminder that the road to the league doesn’t have to be linear—it just has to be fueled by belief and backed by effort.
The selection also shines a positive light on Auburn’s program, which has steadily built itself into a factory for NBA-caliber talent under Bruce Pearl. From Jabari Smith to Walker Kessler and now Johni Broome, Auburn continues to produce players who can contribute at the next level. It’s a sign that the program not only recruits talent but develops it in a way that translates to the pros. Broome’s development curve is proof of that, and his success will only help future Auburn prospects get the attention they deserve.
As for Broome’s fit in the NBA, his future will depend largely on how he continues to adapt. The league favors spacing and pace, but there is still a place for smart, high-IQ bigs who play with physicality and understand team concepts. His ability to rebound, defend the post, and make the right reads will be crucial. Moreover, his willingness to learn and accept his role will likely earn him favor with coaches and veterans alike. While he may not be an instant star, Broome has the tools to be a valuable role player with staying power.
The emotional impact of his draft night also can’t be overstated. For Broome, his family, and those who supported him through each stage, the moment of hearing his name called was the culmination of years of sacrifice and dedication. It’s the kind of moment young athletes dream of, often visualizing it during early morning workouts or long nights watching film. When that dream becomes reality, it reaffirms that the work was worth it—and it inspires the next generation to chase their own.
Philadelphia fans, known for their passion and intensity, will no doubt embrace Broome’s blue-collar mentality. He may not bring the flash of a top-10 pick, but he brings heart, toughness, and the kind of underdog spirit that resonates deeply with a city built on resilience. If he continues to work, stays healthy, and plays to his strengths, Broome could become one of those players who carves out a long NBA career not through hype, but through substance.
In a league that often shines its spotlight on the spectacular, Johni Broome is a welcome reminder of the power of consistency, humility, and hard work. His journey from unheralded high school recruit to NBA draft pick with the 76ers is one of the most compelling of this class. It’s a testament to what’s possible when talent meets character and opportunity meets preparation. And now, with the biggest stage in front of him, Johni Broome is ready to show that this is just the beginning.
