Pete Newell Big Man of the Year and NABC Division I Coach of the Year are awarded to Pearl and Broome.

In a year filled with outstanding performances and remarkable coaching achievements, Auburn Tigers basketball has emerged as one of the top programs in college basketball. This season, the program received two of the most prestigious accolades in the sport: Bruce Pearl was named the NABC Division I Coach of the Year, while Jhoni Broome earned the Pete Newell Big Man of the Year Award. These two honors not only highlight the individual success of both Pearl and Broome but also symbolize the growth and rise of Auburn basketball on the national stage.

As a program, Auburn has made tremendous strides under Bruce Pearl, and the recognition of his efforts as Coach of the Year affirms his place among the top coaches in college basketball. Meanwhile, Broome’s recognition as the Pete Newell Big Man of the Year is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his dominance in the paint, and the exceptional level of play he has brought to Auburn this season.

This article will explore the significance of these two prestigious awards, what they mean for the Auburn Tigers basketball program, and how Pearl and Broome have worked together to elevate the team to new heights.

Bruce Pearl: NABC Division I Coach of the Year

Bruce Pearl has long been regarded as one of the most dynamic and charismatic coaches in college basketball. His ability to transform programs, his recruiting acumen, and his ability to connect with players have made him one of the most successful and respected figures in the sport. This season, his achievements were recognized when he was named the NABC Division I Coach of the Year, a prestigious honor awarded annually by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

The Coaching Journey of Bruce Pearl

Bruce Pearl’s coaching journey is a testament to his perseverance, adaptability, and unrelenting passion for the game. Pearl began his career at Southern Indiana, where he achieved success by leading the team to a Division II National Championship. He later moved on to the University of Tennessee, where he revitalized the program, leading the Volunteers to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and creating an environment of excitement and success.

However, it was his arrival at Auburn in 2014 that truly cemented his legacy as one of the top coaches in college basketball. When Pearl took over the Tigers, Auburn was struggling to compete in the tough Southeastern Conference (SEC), but under his leadership, the program experienced rapid growth. In just a few years, Pearl guided Auburn to its first-ever Final Four appearance in 2019 and built a team that would become a national contender year after year.

In the 2024-2025 season, Pearl’s Auburn Tigers reached new heights, securing a top ranking in the NCAA Tournament, boasting an elite roster, and dominating in a competitive SEC. His ability to build a cohesive team, develop talent, and foster a winning culture earned him widespread recognition. This recognition culminated in Pearl being named the NABC Division I Coach of the Year for his outstanding work in leading Auburn to a spectacular season.

What Makes Bruce Pearl Special?

There are several factors that make Bruce Pearl a standout coach, and they were all on display in Auburn’s historic season.

• Recruiting Excellence: Pearl has proven himself to be one of the most effective recruiters in college basketball. His ability to attract top-tier talent, particularly in the form of high school prospects like Jhoni Broome and others, has been critical to Auburn’s rise to national prominence. Broome’s development under Pearl’s watch has been remarkable, as the coach has maximized his player’s potential and guided him to the top of the college basketball world.
• Player Development: Pearl’s commitment to player development is evident in the growth of his players year after year. He has a knack for turning raw talent into polished, efficient players who contribute immediately. Under his tutelage, Auburn players improve significantly, both offensively and defensively.
• Tactical Mastery: Pearl’s ability to adapt his coaching strategy to the strengths and weaknesses of his roster has been one of the most defining aspects of his success. Whether it’s shifting between defensive schemes or creating offensive sets that maximize his players’ skills, Pearl is known for his tactical versatility.
• Culture and Leadership: One of Pearl’s strongest attributes is his ability to create a positive and competitive culture. He fosters an environment in which players are encouraged to hold themselves and each other accountable, ensuring that Auburn remains a top-tier program. His enthusiasm and love for the game resonate with his players, and it’s clear that his leadership has helped shape the team’s identity.

Auburn’s 2024-2025 Season Under Pearl

The 2024-2025 season was one of Auburn’s best in program history. The Tigers finished with an outstanding record and earned a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. Under Pearl’s leadership, the team played fast, aggressive basketball, characterized by high-scoring games, suffocating defense, and a deep rotation that kept opponents on their toes.

Key to the team’s success was Jhoni Broome, who had an historic season and played a central role in Auburn’s offense and defense. But Pearl’s ability to surround Broome with other talented players—such as Wendell Green Jr., Johni Broome, and Allen Flanigan—ensured that the Tigers had a balanced and formidable roster. Pearl’s coaching philosophy created a dynamic team capable of competing with the best in the country, and it was this philosophy that led to his recognition as NABC Coach of the Year.

Jhoni Broome: Pete Newell Big Man of the Year

While Bruce Pearl’s coaching earned him the NABC Division I Coach of the Year, Auburn’s star player Jhoni Broome took home the Pete Newell Big Man of the Year Award, an honor given annually to the nation’s top center or power forward. This award is named after Pete Newell, a legendary basketball coach known for his emphasis on post play and his ability to develop dominant big men.

Broome’s victory was no surprise to those who followed college basketball closely. He had an exceptional season, and his accomplishments in the paint were a major reason why Auburn reached new heights this year. Not only was he a dominant force in the post, but Broome also displayed the versatility to contribute in multiple areas of the game.

Broome’s Historic Season

Jhoni Broome’s season was one for the ages. He became the first player in NCAA history to record 2,500 points, 1,500 rebounds, and 400 blocks in a career—a feat that solidified his place as one of the most accomplished players in the history of college basketball. His rebounding and shot-blocking abilities were unmatched, while his offensive game—ranging from post moves to mid-range jumpers—made him one of the most complete big men in the nation.

Broome’s dominance in the paint was evident on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he averaged over 20 points per game, using his size and skill to impose his will on opponents. Defensively, Broome was a force to be reckoned with, averaging nearly 3 blocks per game and altering countless other shots throughout the season. His presence in the paint was one of the primary reasons Auburn’s defense was so strong.

Moreover, Broome’s leadership and consistency were instrumental in the Tigers’ success. He became the emotional and physical anchor for Auburn, particularly in tight games where his ability to make big plays and grab critical rebounds proved invaluable.

Broome’s Legacy and Impact

Winning the Pete Newell Big Man of the Year Award solidified Broome’s place as one of the premier big men in the nation. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and defense made him the complete package in the post, and his leadership on the court elevated Auburn to new heights.

But beyond his individual statistics and awards, Broome’s impact on the Auburn program cannot be overstated. He played a crucial role in transforming Auburn into a national contender, and his leadership and hard work set the tone for the entire team. Broome’s success also helped bring attention to Auburn basketball, further raising the program’s profile in the national conversation.

The Auburn Tigers’ Future: Bright Under Pearl and Broome

With Bruce Pearl at the helm and Jhoni Broome leading the way, the future of Auburn Tigers basketball looks incredibly bright. The program has established itself as one of the premier programs in college basketball, and the recognition of Pearl and Broome is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting era for Auburn basketball.

As Pearl continues to build a program that attracts top-tier talent, Auburn is poised to remain a major contender for years to come. Broome’s success, along with his leadership, will leave a lasting legacy for future Tigers players to aspire to. The combination of elite coaching and dominant player performance has set Auburn on a path to sustained excellence.

 A Historic Season for Auburn Basketball

The 2024-2025 season was a historic one for Auburn basketball, highlighted by Bruce Pearl being named the NABC Division I Coach of the Year and Jhoni Broome winning the Pete Newell Big Man of the Year Award. These two prestigious accolades reflect the hard work, dedication, and success of both Pearl and Broome, as well as the continued growth and rise of Auburn as a top-tier program.

Together, Pearl and Broome have created a winning formula for Auburn basketball—one that has the potential to sustain the Tigers’ success for years to come. Whether it’s Pearl’s leadership and ability to develop talent, or Broome’s historic achievements on the court, Auburn is on the

map as one of the nation’s elite basketball programs. With a strong foundation in place, the future is incredibly bright for the Auburn Tigers.