When coaches talk about loyalty to their players, Bruce Pearl walks the walk. The Auburn head coach showed up in Las Vegas to watch his former star Johni Broome play Summer League basketball for the Philadelphia 76ers. Pearl’s presence at the Thomas & Mack Center wasn’t just about catching a game. It was about showing every college coach in America what supporting your players really looks like.
What Does Bruce Pearl’s Support Mean for Johni Broome?
Pearl didn’t hesitate to share his mind when asked what the 76ers are getting in Broome. “They’re getting a great teammate, a guy that wants to win and he wants to compete,” he said. The coach’s presence at Summer League sent a clear message to fellow coaches: supporting players, even those who leave early for the NBA, is vital.
Bruce Pearl pulled up to NBA summer league to support Johni Broome 🥹🫶@AuburnMBB | @sixers pic.twitter.com/BR2kr6Gg3V
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) July 16, 2025
Pearl’s philosophy runs deeper than just showing up. “I think it’s important for coaches to continue to come and support their players even if they got more eligibility,” he added. “We would not be in the Final Four without Johni Broome.” The trip to Vegas was Pearl’s way of saying thank you to Broome and his family, showing the deep bond forged during Auburn’s 2024 Final Four run.
Pearl highlighted Broome’s pride in representing Auburn and his family during their time together. “He represented the name on the front of the jersey and the name on the back of the jersey,” Pearl said. “He cared about Auburn basketball. But he also cared about the Broome family and knew where he came from.”
Despite being overlooked early in his career, Broome played with a “chip on his shoulder,” a trait Pearl believes will fuel a long NBA career if he stays “humble and hungry.” That mentality helped drive Broome’s All-American season at Auburn, where he averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.1 blocks over 36 games. Those numbers cemented his status as a program cornerstone.
Can Broome Make This Transition Work With Philadelphia?
Selected 35th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Broome is finding his footing with the 76ers. He impressed in his Summer League debut against the Jazz, where he posted 13 points, five rebounds, and one steal.
His standout performance against the Wizards showed off his versatility. Scoring 14 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 29 minutes, Broome gave Pearl plenty to be proud of during his Vegas visit. The 74-58 win over the Wizards provided the perfect backdrop for Pearl’s support. Sixers President Daryl Morey noted, “Johni’s had some good moments… I feel confident he’ll figure it out.”
Morey acknowledged the NBA’s faster pace compared to the SEC, adding, “Probably one or two of the games have been really good, and one or two, I’m sure he would say ‘Hey that wasn’t my best game.'” With a four-year deal, Broome has time to adjust and contribute as a rebounding big man. Pearl’s presence in Vegas reminded everyone that some relationships in college basketball run deeper than just winning games.
