Johni Broome of Auburn advances to the Naismith Player of the Year Final Four.

Auburn’s Johni Broome Makes Final Four for Naismith Player of the Year: A Rising Star on the National Stage

In a season filled with electrifying performances, few players have captured the spotlight as Auburn’s Johni Broome has. The junior forward, who has blossomed into one of the premier players in college basketball, has earned a spot in the Final Four for the prestigious Naismith College Player of the Year award. This is the latest in a series of accomplishments for Broome, who has already established himself as a dynamic force in the SEC and beyond.

Broome’s rise to national prominence is not just a testament to his individual skill, but also a reflection of Auburn’s continued ascent under head coach Bruce Pearl. As one of the top contenders for the Naismith Player of the Year, Broome’s journey from a promising recruit to one of the country’s top players has been nothing short of extraordinary. In this piece, we’ll take a deep dive into Johni Broome’s path to the Final Four for the Naismith Player of the Year, his standout season, and what his future holds.

The Journey to Auburn: A Star in the Making

Johni Broome’s journey to Auburn began in the small town of Florence, Alabama, where he developed his passion for basketball at a young age. Growing up, Broome was known for his versatility on the court. His ability to play multiple positions, paired with a relentless work ethic and natural talent, quickly caught the attention of scouts and college programs.

Broome’s high school career at Florence High School was marked by steady progression, as he evolved from a raw talent into a polished and well-rounded player. His high school accolades were numerous, and by the time he graduated, Broome had already become one of the top recruits in the state of Alabama.

Despite his success at the high school level, Broome knew that his next step would require him to continue developing his game. After initially committing to a smaller program, he made the decision to transfer to Auburn University, joining one of the most promising basketball programs in the country. This move would prove to be a transformative one, as he would soon become the cornerstone of Auburn’s basketball team.

Upon his arrival at Auburn, Broome’s impact was felt almost immediately. His combination of size (6’10”) and athleticism allowed him to contribute both offensively and defensively in ways that few other players could. Whether it was protecting the rim, scoring inside, or stretching the floor with his ability to shoot from the outside, Broome showed that he was a player capable of making an immediate impact.

But what truly set Broome apart was his attitude and commitment to improvement. Under the guidance of Coach Bruce Pearl, he quickly developed into a complete player—one who could fill up the stat sheet and lead Auburn to victories on the big stage.

The 2025 Season: Broome’s Breakout Year

The 2025 college basketball season has been a breakout year for Johni Broome. From the outset, it was clear that Broome had elevated his game to new heights. His development as both a scorer and playmaker, combined with his already-impressive defensive skills, made him one of the most well-rounded players in college basketball.

Broome’s offensive game has been nothing short of dominant this season. Averaging 19.5 points per game, he has been a consistent scoring threat, both inside and on the perimeter. His ability to knock down three-pointers has opened up the floor for his teammates, while his post moves and finishing around the rim have made him nearly unstoppable in one-on-one situations.

Beyond scoring, Broome has also been a key playmaker for Auburn. Averaging 4.2 assists per game, he has shown an ability to create opportunities for his teammates, whether it’s setting up a fast-break layup or finding the open man on the perimeter. His vision on the court has made him a dual-threat—able to score when needed, but also capable of running the offense and getting others involved.

But it’s not just Broome’s offensive game that has stood out. On the defensive end, he has been just as impressive. Averaging 1.8 blocks per game, Broome has established himself as one of the best shot-blockers in the SEC. His ability to protect the rim, combined with his defensive awareness and basketball IQ, has made him an indispensable part of Auburn’s defense.

Broome’s rebounding has also been a key factor in his success this season. Averaging 8.1 rebounds per game, he has been a force on the boards, both offensively and defensively. His ability to crash the glass and secure second-chance opportunities has provided Auburn with extra possessions and has been crucial in close games.

As a result of his exceptional play across all areas of the game, Broome has become one of the most dominant players in the country. His consistent performance has made him a fixture on the Naismith Player of the Year watch list, and his inclusion in the Final Four for the award is a well-deserved recognition of his talent.

Auburn’s Success and Broome’s Role in It

While Johni Broome’s individual success has been impressive, his contributions have also been integral to Auburn’s success as a team. Under the leadership of Coach Bruce Pearl, the Tigers have been one of the most competitive teams in the country. Their strong defense, fast-paced offense, and overall team chemistry have allowed them to contend for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament, and much of this success can be attributed to Broome’s leadership.

Broome’s ability to play in multiple roles has allowed Auburn to thrive. His scoring, playmaking, and defensive contributions have made him a true all-around player, but his ability to elevate those around him has made him an invaluable leader on the court. Broome has been the focal point of Auburn’s offense, but he has also shown the ability to step up in big moments, whether that’s hitting a clutch shot or making a critical defensive play.

Auburn’s overall success this season—clinching the SEC regular-season title and being in contention for a top-four seed in the NCAA Tournament—has been a direct result of Broome’s exceptional play. With Broome leading the way, the Tigers have been a consistent top-10 team and are expected to be a major contender in March Madness.

The Naismith Player of the Year Final Four: A Well-Deserved Honor

Being named a finalist for the Naismith Player of the Year is a huge honor, and for Johni Broome, it marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The Naismith Award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in college basketball, and the Final Four selection places Broome among the best players in the country.

Broome’s inclusion in the final group of players vying for the award is a testament to his outstanding season and his ability to perform on the biggest stage. Joining Broome in the Final Four are some of the top players in college basketball, including standout names from blue-blood programs. The competition is fierce, but Broome’s well-rounded game and leadership have made him one of the top contenders for the award.

The Naismith Player of the Year is often given to the player who not only excels individually but also elevates his team to new heights. Broome fits that description perfectly. His ability to contribute in every facet of the game—scoring, playmaking, defense, and leadership—has made him a truly special player. If Auburn continues its deep run in the NCAA Tournament, Broome’s chances of taking home the Naismith Player of the Year will only increase.

Looking to the Future: Broome’s Impact Beyond 2025

As the 2025 NCAA Tournament approaches, the basketball world will be watching closely to see if Johni Broome can lead Auburn to a national championship. Whether or not he wins the Naismith Player of the Year, Broome’s impact on Auburn’s program will be felt for years to come. His leadership, dedication, and all-around play have set a standard for future players in the program, and his presence on the team has helped Auburn become one of the premier programs in the nation.

Broome’s future in basketball is bright, whether he decides to declare for the NBA Draft after this season or returns for another year at Auburn. Given his skill set and the attention he’s garnered this season, Broome is likely to have a successful career at the next level. However, his focus remains on helping Auburn win a national championship, and his leadership will be crucial as the Tigers look to make a deep run in March Madness.