Hinnen: Why National Player of the Year ought to go to Johni Broome

In the ever-evolving world of college basketball, the conversation surrounding the National Player of the Year (NPOY) is always a heated one. From towering big men to electrifying point guards, the title of NPOY represents the best of the best in college hoops each season. As we look toward the 2025 season, there is one player whose performance and impact on the court deserve significant attention—Auburn’s Johni Broome. Broome, a dynamic forward for the Auburn Tigers, has been making waves with his all-around game and leadership. His ability to dominate both ends of the floor and elevate his team’s success has made him a strong contender for the prestigious NPOY award. In this article, we’ll break down why Johni Broome is not only one of the most impactful players in the country but why he should be recognized as the National Player of the Year in 2025.

1. Broome’s All-Around Game

The essence of being a National Player of the Year is a player’s ability to contribute in every facet of the game, and Johni Broome checks that box in a way few others do. The NPOY isn’t just about putting up gaudy scoring numbers—though Broome’s offensive production certainly stands out—but it’s also about a player’s ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor.

Offensive Prowess

Broome’s offensive game is diverse and multifaceted. He is capable of scoring in a variety of ways, whether it’s on the perimeter with a soft shooting touch, in the post with impressive footwork, or off the dribble as a slasher. His versatility in offensive situations allows him to be a constant threat to opposing defenses. Broome’s ability to create his own shot while also being an unselfish playmaker for his teammates speaks to his basketball IQ and leadership.

This season, Broome has posted impressive numbers, scoring in the high teens per game and averaging double-digit rebounds. His presence in the paint is complemented by a reliable jumper, making him a difficult matchup for defenders. He has the size, strength, and mobility to finish around the rim, as well as the skill to hit mid-range jump shots when needed.

But what really sets Broome apart offensively is his unselfishness. Averaging close to four assists per game, he consistently involves his teammates, demonstrating that he is more than just a scorer. This playmaking ability—coupled with his scoring—makes him a constant dual threat. His vision and court awareness allow Auburn’s offense to flow more smoothly, as Broome often makes the extra pass or creates open looks for his teammates. His ability to balance scoring with playmaking shows the level of maturity he’s reached in his game.

Defensive Dominance

While Broome’s offensive game is certainly impressive, his impact on the defensive side of the ball is where he truly stands out as a complete player. In the modern college basketball landscape, defenders who can alter the course of a game with their presence are rare. Johni Broome is one of those players. Averaging nearly two blocks per game and providing consistent pressure on opposing shooters, Broome’s defensive versatility has been one of the cornerstones of Auburn’s success.

Broome has an innate ability to affect the game defensively both as an individual and as a team defender. His shot-blocking ability is elite, and his positioning in the post, combined with his length and timing, allows him to alter shots without committing fouls. Broome is also an exceptional rebounder, averaging over 10 boards per game. His tenacity on the glass helps Auburn dominate in the rebounding department, often limiting second-chance opportunities for their opponents.

Beyond the statistics, Broome’s defensive awareness and leadership in the paint set the tone for Auburn’s defense. His ability to switch onto smaller players and guard multiple positions provides head coach Bruce Pearl with a level of flexibility that is crucial in today’s fast-paced, positionless basketball. He is often tasked with defending the opposing team’s best player, and his combination of size, speed, and instincts allows him to succeed in that role.

2. Leadership and Intangibles

One of the most overlooked aspects of the NPOY race is the ability of a player to lead his team. Johni Broome’s leadership has been critical to Auburn’s success this season. Beyond his impressive statistics, Broome’s work ethic, basketball IQ, and ability to inspire his teammates make him an invaluable asset to the Tigers.

Broome’s presence on the court is magnetic. He leads by example, displaying intensity on both ends of the floor and never backing down from a challenge. He holds his teammates accountable, but his leadership goes beyond what can be seen on the court. He’s the type of player who uplifts those around him, encourages his teammates, and brings out their best performances.

Throughout the season, Broome has displayed maturity and composure in high-pressure situations. He’s proven capable of taking over games when necessary, but he also knows when to rely on his teammates and make the right play. In the locker room, Broome’s leadership has helped foster a culture of selflessness, discipline, and a commitment to team success. These intangibles are crucial to a team’s overall performance and are a significant factor in why Broome’s individual achievements should be recognized as deserving of NPOY honors.

3. Broome’s Impact on Auburn’s Success

When considering the NPOY award, it is also important to evaluate a player’s overall impact on his team’s success. In the case of Johni Broome, his contributions to Auburn’s rise to the top of the college basketball rankings cannot be overstated.

Auburn’s success is intrinsically tied to Broome’s performance. As a senior leader, Broome has been the foundation of a team that has been among the best in the country. Without his dynamic scoring, rebounding, and defense, Auburn would not be in the position it finds itself in heading into the postseason. His consistency in delivering elite performances against some of the toughest teams in the country has helped elevate Auburn to the top of the SEC standings, and ultimately, to a projected high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Broome’s ability to make winning plays in crunch-time situations has proven invaluable. Whether it’s scoring the game-winning basket, grabbing a crucial rebound, or blocking a potential game-tying shot, Broome has shown time and again that he is capable of performing when the stakes are highest. His individual excellence has translated into team success, and that’s a key consideration when determining the NPOY.

4. Statistical Comparison to Other NPOY Candidates

When compared to other National Player of the Year candidates, Johni Broome’s statistics are on par or exceed those of many of the top players in the country. Players such as Drew Timme from Gonzaga, Jalen Wilson from Kansas, and Oscar Tshiebwe from Kentucky have all had strong seasons, but Broome’s ability to impact the game in so many different areas sets him apart.

Timme, Wilson, and Tshiebwe all have standout statistics, but Broome’s ability to impact both the offensive and defensive end of the floor while also contributing in a variety of ways makes him a more complete player. His versatility and all-around game provide a balance that makes him indispensable to his team.

Broome’s stats—double-digit points, double-digit rebounds, elite shot-blocking, and efficient shooting percentages—place him in a category reserved for the best of the best. His ability to do it all, combined with his leadership and intangibles, makes him a worthy contender for the NPOY award.

A Player Who Does It All

As we look toward the conclusion of the 2025 college basketball season, one thing is clear: Johni Broome has done everything possible to earn the title of National Player of the Year. His exceptional ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, his leadership and intangibles, and his overall impact on Auburn’s success make him a deserving candidate for this prestigious award.

Broome’s versatility as a scorer, defender, and leader sets him apart from other NPOY candidates, and his performance this season has been nothing short of spectacular. His individual brilliance has propelled Auburn to the top of the college basketball landscape, and as a result, he should be recognized as the National Player of the Year in 2025.