Auburn’s Johni Broome makes NCAA history with 2,500 points, 1,500 rebounds, and 400 blocks, earning unanimous first-team All-American honors from AP, NABC, USBWA, and Sporting News—the program’s first ever. A legendary season for the Tigers’ star big man.

— In a sport that has seen legendary names like Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and Hakeem Olajuwon dominate the paint, Auburn’s Johni Broome has carved out a place for himself in NCAA basketball history—arguably in more spectacular fashion than any before him. With an unmatched combination of production, leadership, and consistency, Broome not only shattered records but also accomplished a feat that no player in college basketball had ever done before.

The 6-foot-10 star became the first player in NCAA history to record 2,500 career points, 1,500 rebounds, and 400 blocks, cementing his place among the all-time greats. As if that wasn’t enough, he followed up the historic stat line by becoming Auburn’s first-ever unanimous first-team All-American, recognized by all four major selectors: The Associated Press (AP), the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), and The Sporting News.

The recognition represents more than just individual brilliance. It marks a milestone for the Auburn basketball program and stands as a testament to the dedication, humility, and resilience of a player who has transformed into the heart and soul of Bruce Pearl’s team.

The Stats: Broome’s Record-Setting Numbers

To understand the magnitude of Broome’s accomplishment, one must look at the raw data—and what it means historically.

• 2,500+ points: A mark that places him among the top 25 all-time scorers in Division I history.
• 1,500+ rebounds: Joining an elite club of only a handful of players who’ve surpassed this threshold.
• 400+ blocks: A rare feat, highlighting his dominance on the defensive end, putting him in company with elite rim protectors like Shawn Bradley, Jarvis Varnado, and David Robinson.

But what separates Broome from even those titans is that no player has ever combined all three statistical achievements in a single career. That’s right—not Duncan, not Robinson, not Patrick Ewing, and not even Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, whose three varsity seasons at UCLA remain legendary.

Broome has done what no one else has. Ever.

A Journey Rooted in Growth

Born and raised in Plant City, Florida, Broome wasn’t always the surefire star he is today. He began his college career at Morehead State, where he burst onto the scene with an Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year campaign. After two dominant seasons, he transferred to Auburn ahead of the 2022-23 season, and from there, his trajectory went from promising to transcendent.

“Coming out of high school, I didn’t have a ton of high-major offers,” Broome said. “But I believed in myself. Morehead gave me that first shot, and Auburn gave me the platform to prove I belonged on the biggest stage.”

Under head coach Bruce Pearl, Broome became a walking double-double, anchoring Auburn’s defense, running the floor with precision, and showing elite touch around the rim. Each year, he expanded his game—adding a reliable midrange jumper, improving his free-throw percentage, and even becoming a more vocal leader.

“He’s a coach’s dream,” Pearl said. “You talk about a guy who’s selfless, works every day, leads by example, and then puts up numbers that no one’s ever seen? That’s Johni Broome.”

Dominance on Both Ends of the Floor

While Broome’s offensive output grabs headlines, it’s his defensive consistency that often separates him from others. His timing and instincts as a shot-blocker altered how teams approached Auburn in the paint.

“He doesn’t just block shots—he erases possessions,” Auburn assistant coach Wes Flanigan said. “He changes how opponents run their offense. That kind of presence is invaluable.”

And his efficiency on the offensive end is just as stunning:

• Career FG%: 55.2%
• Career FT%: Improved to 76% in his final season
• Double-Doubles: Over 60 in his career
• PER (Player Efficiency Rating): Among the top 10 in the nation

His final season at Auburn saw him average 19.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game, all while facing double and triple teams.

The Unanimous All-American Honor: A Historic First for Auburn

While Auburn has had its share of standout players—guys like Chris Porter, Jabari Smith Jr., and Charles Barkley—none have ever achieved what Broome did this season: earn unanimous first-team All-American honors.

The Associated Press, NABC, USBWA, and The Sporting News all named Broome to their first teams. The feat placed him alongside other 2025 honorees like Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Purdue’s Zach Edey, but it also set him apart in one key way: he was the only player in SEC history to be recognized by all four selectors in a season with those statistical thresholds.

“It means a lot,” Broome said. “But more than the awards, I’m proud of how we competed as a team. We represented Auburn the right way.”

The honor speaks volumes about his consistent excellence and impact—across matchups, months, and moments.

Pearl’s Praise: ‘The Most Complete Player I’ve Ever Coached’

Bruce Pearl has coached a lot of great players, but he doesn’t hesitate when talking about Broome.

“Johni Broome is the most complete player I’ve ever had the privilege to coach,” Pearl said. “He plays both ends. He works harder than anyone. He makes guys around him better. He’s got a quiet fire, and that fire drives our whole program.”

Pearl said Broome’s leadership during the offseason was one of the biggest factors in Auburn’s 26-win season and deep SEC Tournament run.

“He set the tone in practice, in the weight room, even on the bus,” Pearl added. “When your best player is also your hardest worker, you have a chance to be special.”

Impact on Auburn’s Program and Legacy

For a program that’s been on the rise over the past decade, Broome’s historic run signals a new era.

• National Respect: Auburn has gained national recognition not just for team performance, but for developing elite individual talent.
• Recruiting Boost: Broome’s development from mid-major transfer to NCAA record-holder will resonate with recruits looking for a place to elevate their game.
• Program Firsts: Auburn now boasts a unanimous All-American in its record books, adding to a resume that already includes a Final Four (2019) and multiple SEC titles under Pearl.

“He’s changed the perception of Auburn basketball,” said former Tiger great and NBA legend Charles Barkley. “We’ve always had good players. Now, we’ve got a guy who’s rewriting NCAA history.”

What’s Next for Broome?

With his collegiate legacy secure, the question now becomes: what will Johni Broome do at the next level?

NBA scouts have taken notice. While Broome may not have the explosive athleticism of some lottery picks, his fundamentals, maturity, and productivity are drawing comparisons to players like Al Horford and Kevon Looney—big men who thrive by playing smart, tough, and unselfish basketball.

“He’s a plug-and-play guy,” said one anonymous NBA executive. “You know what you’re getting: a professional in every sense. He’s the kind of guy that could stick in the league for a long time.”

Whether he’s drafted late in the first round or goes early in the second, one thing is clear: Johni Broome has nothing left to prove at the college level.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Johni Broome

In a season where college basketball was filled with rising stars, flashy guards, and viral moments, Johni Broome quietly and methodically authored one of the greatest careers in NCAA history.

He did it without drama, without demanding the spotlight, and without shortcuts.

• He worked.
• He led.
• He delivered.

And in doing so, he not only left his mark on Auburn basketball, but on the entire landscape of college hoops.

“Records come and go,” Broome said. “But character, leadership, and legacy—that’s what lasts.”

For Auburn, and for college basketball as a whole, Johni Broome’s legacy is already set in stone.