Auburn forward Johni Broome and Alabama guard Mark Sears earned first-team consensus All-American recognition for their play during the 2024-25 basketball season.
In a season that will be remembered for its intense competition and the emergence of new basketball stars, two names stood above the rest—Johni Broome of Auburn and Mark Sears of Alabama. Both players, whose impressive performances throughout the 2024-25 NCAA basketball season captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, have now been recognized with first-team consensus All-American honors for their outstanding contributions on the court. This recognition not only solidifies their places in the annals of college basketball but also serves as a testament to their hard work, skill, and leadership in a year that saw incredible individual and team performances across the nation.
The road to consensus All-American status is a long and challenging one, requiring consistent excellence, standout performances in key games, and a sustained ability to impact their teams both offensively and defensively. Broome and Sears were not just the standout players for their respective teams—they were among the best in the country, regardless of position, conference, or team. Their rise to the pinnacle of college basketball is a story of dedication, development, and undeniable talent.
Johni Broome’s journey to earning first-team consensus All-American honors has been nothing short of remarkable. Coming into the 2024-25 season, Broome had already established himself as one of the most dynamic forwards in the SEC, but it was his performances this season that truly solidified his place among the best players in the nation.
Standing at 6-foot-9, Broome combines exceptional size with impressive athleticism and a versatile skill set that allows him to impact the game in multiple ways. A powerful forward with an innate ability to score both inside and on the perimeter, Broome led Auburn through a challenging season, delivering consistently high-level performances against some of the toughest competition in college basketball.
Broome’s scoring ability is a big part of his game, but his versatility is what sets him apart. He finished the season with an average of 19.8 points per game, shooting an efficient 50.4% from the field. His ability to stretch the floor, knock down mid-range jumpers, and hit three-pointers made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenders. His physicality and strength around the rim allowed him to dominate inside, while his fluidity on the perimeter showed that he could function as both a scorer and a playmaker.
But it wasn’t just his scoring that earned Broome the All-American distinction. His impact on the defensive end of the floor was equally crucial to Auburn’s success. Broome’s length, combined with his quick reflexes and basketball IQ, made him a formidable presence in the paint. Averaging 2.4 blocks per game and 1.8 steals per game, Broome was able to protect the rim and disrupt opposing offenses, often turning defensive stops into fast-break opportunities for the Tigers.
Broome’s all-around play also shone through in his rebounding, where he averaged 9.1 rebounds per game. His ability to crash the boards on both ends of the floor gave Auburn a significant edge in terms of possession, and his hustle plays were a huge factor in the team’s success throughout the season.
One of Broome’s standout performances came in the SEC Tournament, where he led Auburn to a thrilling victory over one of their rivals. In a game that was as much about heart and grit as it was about skill, Broome exploded for 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks, carrying Auburn to a pivotal win that secured their place in the NCAA Tournament. That performance solidified his case as one of the nation’s elite players, earning him widespread recognition as a frontrunner for national player of the year honors.
Beyond his individual accolades, Broome’s leadership on the court was a key factor in Auburn’s success. He was a vocal leader for the Tigers, guiding them through adversity with his poise and ability to perform under pressure. Broome’s passion for the game and his commitment to his teammates were evident every time he took the floor, and it’s no surprise that he became the heart and soul of Auburn’s offense.
With his first-team consensus All-American recognition, Broome’s legacy as one of Auburn’s all-time greats is now firmly cemented. He will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the program’s finest players, and his contributions to Auburn’s rise in the college basketball world cannot be overstated.
While Johni Broome was leading Auburn with his all-around game, Mark Sears was doing the same for Alabama, offering a unique blend of scoring, playmaking, and leadership that carried the Crimson Tide through a challenging but successful season. The 6-foot-2 guard was a scoring machine, but it was his ability to impact the game in so many different areas that earned him the title of first-team consensus All-American.
Sears’ journey to the top began during his early years at Alabama, where he quickly became one of the most reliable and dynamic players on the team. In the 2024-25 season, Sears took his game to another level, elevating his play to become one of the premier guards in all of college basketball. Averaging 20.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, Sears demonstrated his ability to impact every facet of the game.
One of Sears’ greatest strengths was his ability to score in a variety of ways. Whether it was his deadly three-point shooting, where he finished the season with a 39.7% shooting percentage from deep, or his slashing ability that allowed him to attack the basket with finesse and power, Sears was nearly impossible to defend. His offensive arsenal also included mid-range jumpers, step-back shots, and an impressive floater that he used to finish around bigger defenders. His ability to score from anywhere on the floor kept opposing defenses on their heels and allowed him to create open looks for his teammates.
However, it was Sears’ playmaking ability that truly set him apart this season. While he was a potent scorer, he also served as the primary facilitator for Alabama, dishing out 5.3 assists per game and orchestrating the Crimson Tide’s fast-paced offense. Sears’ vision and basketball IQ allowed him to create opportunities for his teammates, finding them in transition or setting them up with perfectly timed passes in half-court situations. His ability to balance scoring and playmaking made him one of the most difficult players to guard in the nation.
On the defensive end, Sears was no slouch either. Although not as physically imposing as some of the other All-American candidates, his quickness and tenacity allowed him to disrupt opposing offenses. With 1.7 steals per game, Sears showed his ability to get into passing lanes and force turnovers, leading to fast-break opportunities and creating momentum for Alabama. His work ethic on the defensive end was just as evident as his offensive contributions, and it made him an indispensable player for head coach Nate Oats.
Sears’ leadership also played a pivotal role in Alabama’s success. As a veteran player, he took it upon himself to be the glue that held the team together, making sure that Alabama stayed focused and disciplined throughout the season. His calm demeanor on the floor and his ability to execute under pressure made him the go-to player when the game was on the line.
One of Sears’ most memorable moments came during the SEC Championship game, where he scored 31 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and handed out 5 assists, leading Alabama to an impressive victory and securing their place as one of the top teams in the country heading into March Madness. That performance was a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion and deliver in big moments, a trait that would carry Alabama deep into the NCAA Tournament.
While Johni Broome and Mark Sears earned individual accolades, their recognition as first-team consensus All-Americans was a reflection of their importance to their teams’ success. Both players were not just the best players on their respective teams—they were the backbone of Auburn and Alabama’s entire seasons, providing leadership, scoring, and playmaking when it mattered most.
For Auburn, Broome’s leadership helped the Tigers become one of the most competitive teams in the SEC, a season that was marked by resilience and toughness. Broome’s all-around game kept Auburn in the hunt for both a conference title and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. His efforts, both offensively and defensively, were the key reason Auburn was able to remain at the top of the college basketball hierarchy.
For Alabama, Sears was the engine that powered the Crimson Tide’s offense. His ability to score at will and create opportunities for others allowed Alabama to remain one of the most high-powered teams in the country. His leadership on and off the floor made Alabama a formidable force in the SEC and beyond, with the Crimson Tide looking to build on their strong performance in the NCAA Tournament.
Both players’ journeys to becoming first-team consensus All-Americans were shaped by years of hard work, development, and an unrelenting desire to improve. As Broome and Sears take their places among the top players in college basketball, their legacies will be forever linked to their teams’ successes. Their outstanding performances in the 2024-25 season will not only be remembered for their statistical achievements but also for their leadership, clutch play, and determination to carry their programs to the highest levels of college basketball.
As the 2025 NCAA Tournament approaches, it’s clear that Johni Broome and Mark Sears will be among the players to watch. But regardless of what happens next, their first-team consensus All-American honors have already cemented their places as two of the most dominant and influential players in college basketball.
